Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the attack on troops which led to the killing of sixteen soldiers by some irate youths in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Thursday after troops from 181 Amphibious Battalion had responded to a conflict between Okuama and Okoloba communities when they were surrounded and killed by some youths.
SYMFONI NEWS earlier reported that the reinforcement team led by a commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers.
Reacting to the development in a message posted on his official X account, Atiku stated that there would never be a justification for the deliberate murder of soldiers carrying out a lawful mission.
While calling for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, he urged the military to exercise restraints in its response.
He wrote: “The brutal killing of over a dozen Nigerian soldiers in Okuama in the Ughelli South Local Government Area and Okolaba in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State stands condemned. There can never be a justification for a premeditated killing of soldiers on a legitimate assignment.
“Even as we grieve the loss of these soldiers, who are not only Nigerians but have families and dependants, I urge restraints by the military authorities in its response. I would recommend that the culprits be arrested and prosecuted. -AA”