The Nigerian military has arrested at least three suspected killers of 17 officers and men of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army in Otuama, Delta State, last Thursday.
The suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday and moved to Army headquarters, Asaba, where they are currently being held, Vanguard learnt.
The Senate has begun a probe into the killing of the soldiers as it asked its committees on defence, army, navy and air force to liaise with the military authorities to get more information on the remote and immediate cause of what it described as a dastardly act.
It also called on the Nigerian government to identify, apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of the horrific killing and bring them to book, just as it observed a minute silence in honour of those killed.
The Red Chamber equally asked the Federal Government to hasten the recruitment and training of more police personnel to take up the job of policing responsibilities, while the Nigerian Army should play its primary role in the affairs of the country.
The Senate also called on the Federal Government to embark on an enlightenment campaign to sensitise the public on their civic responsibility as it affects their relationship with security agencies.
It, however, rejected a prayer to observe a minute silence in honour of innocent civilians killed in the attack or commiserate with their families, saying their number is still unknown.
While the Senate rejected an additional prayer for relief materials for the community by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, as proposed by Senator Ede Dafinone, it resolved that families of the slain soldiers should be compensated immediately.
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), moved the motion which was seconded by Senator Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North).
Resolutions of the Senate were sequel to a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senators Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (APC, Katsina Central), and Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central).
Earlier in his presentation, Senator Yar’Adua, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Army, noted that the recent tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a commanding officer, two majors, a captain, and 12 soldiers, highlighted serious threat to the security and stability of the country.
He said: “Troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, while on a peace mission to Okuama community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State.
“The tragic incident involving the attack on military personnel from the 181 Amphibious Battalion during the peace mission to Okuama community in Delta State, underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability without resorting to retribution.”
