The Nigerian Army has debunked claims that it has embarked on reprisal attacks on Okuama Community in Delta.

Some members of the community had last Thursday ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Monday, said the community was already deserted even before troops arrived there.

Buba advised those peddling the fake news of reprisal attacks on the community to desist from further dishonouring the fallen heroes.

He said it behoves the community leaders, elders, and the people of Delta State to identify the perpetrators of the murder so that they could be brought to account for the heinous crime.

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The defence spokesman said as long as the dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities remains, it “implies that there could be untoward activities not initiated by the military”.

Buba added: “Overall, there is no doubt that this is an extremely sad development and untoward activity by members of the Okuama community against troops that were there to protect them.

“We urge the public to resist the temptation of allowing any videos of the incident of the killed personnel from going viral.

“It would be a dishonour to the fallen heroes to allow such ugly videos of their demise go viral.

“Above all, as the military mourns, it remains ever determined to ensure safety and security of citizens across the country.”

Buba said it was tragic, senseless and barbaric to have killed the officers and soldiers in such a dehumanised and unspeakable manner.

According to him, while the armed forces mourns the loss of the soldiers, there will be measured responses and injurious consequences for the perpetrators.

He, however, consoled their families, colleagues, and loved ones over the incident.

The Star