The Nigerian military has “completely” withdrawn its personnel from Okuama Community in Delta State, South-south Nigeria, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has said.
Mr Oborevwori disclosed this in a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
The military personnel had occupied Okuama Community after suspected residents, on 14 March, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.
The troops were ambushed while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the South-southern state.
Residents of the community had complained that they were forced out of their community following the soldiers’ occupation. Mr Oborevwori, in the Facebook post, said the withdrawal of the soldiers followed his administration’s deliberations and collaborations with the leadership of the Nigerian military.
“My Dear Good People of Delta State, I have the pleasure to announce to you that upon many deliberations and collaborations between the (Delta) State Government and the military leadership, the Nigerian army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama,” the governor said.
“I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, 6th of May, and as of today, 8 of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn from Okuama,” he added.
The governor said, with the withdrawal of the soldiers, residents of Okuama Community can now “safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.”
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
