The wanted traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom in Delta State, Clement Ikolo, has surrendered to the State Police Command and handed over to the military over his alleged involvement in the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in the state.

It was gathered that Ikolo who was one of the eight persons declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in connection with the killing of the 17 military personnel in Okuama, turned himself in to the police on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

The monarch was said to have arrived at the state police command headquarters at about 4 p.m. on Thursday to report himself to Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda.

The development was confirmed by the Delta State Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.

DHQ declares professor, woman, 6 others wanted for killing soldiers

The Star recalls that the Defence Headquarters, in the early hours of Thursday, declared eight persons, including Ikolo, wanted over their alleged involvement in the killing of 17 soldiers on a peace-keeping mission to Delta State on March 14.

Those declared wanted alongside the monarch are Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Igoli Ebi, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (aka Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, and Reuben Baru.

The military personnel were buried at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday, March 27.

The soldiers while on a peace mission to the community were surrounded and killed by some irate youths in the area.

The incident occurred when the soldiers responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.

Troops later recovered the decomposing bodies of the soldiers in the state.

The slain military personnel comprised one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers.

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, bestowed posthumous national honours on the slain military personnel.

The Star