Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has cautioned the military against retaliatory actions towards the Delta community of Okuoma, subsequent to the tragic loss of its personnel.
Falana emphasized the importance of the police swiftly investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators responsible for the killing of 16 soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, two majors, and a captain, who lost their lives during a peacekeeping mission in Okuoma, Bomadi LGA of Delta State.
In a statement, Falana praised the Army for demonstrating restraint by refraining from retaliatory measures against the communities involved.
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“We join the members of civilized humanity in condemning the brutality meted out to the military officers and soldiers as they were deployed for a peacekeeping mission to resolve the crisis in two warring communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta state,” he said.
“We are, however, pleased to note that the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
“Having regard to the massacre of innocent people when the military invaded Odi in Bayelsa State and Zaki Biam in Benue State in similar circumstances, we commend the military authorities for resisting the temptation to subject the two warring communities to a reprisal attack.
“By all means, the army should avoid a repeat of the history of having multiple tragedies.”
Falana said the Delta State Government and local authorities should assist the police in fishing out the killers so they could be prosecuted.
