Residents of Okuama in the Ughelli South Local Government Area and Okoloba in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State fled their communities on Friday following a violent clash that resulted in the killing of 16 soldiers, including senior officers, News About Nigeria reports.
According to reports from Channels Television, soldiers took control of the area and allegedly set some houses ablaze in retaliation for the killing of their colleagues.
Fifteen bodies of the soldiers were recovered by soldiers of the Joint Task Force, supervised by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, at the Okuama community.
However, some of the recovered corpses had their heads severed, while others had their stomachs ripped open with vital organs missing.
The violence erupted as a result of a longstanding communal land dispute between the neighbouring communities.
The conflict escalated on January 27, 2024, when youths from Okoloba allegedly ambushed and killed three Okuama youths over the disputed land.
Tensions escalated further when Okuama youths reportedly ambushed an Okoloba indigene, holding him hostage.
This prompted a swift response from the Joint Task Force, which moved to rescue the hostage.
However, the situation turned deadly as Okuama youths allegedly opened fire on the military personnel, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the deaths of its officers and men, who were on a peace mission in the Okuama community.
The casualties included the commanding officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers.
Troops placed the Okuama community under siege, with soldiers reportedly setting fire to houses, resulting in additional fatalities and injuries among residents.
Many women and children were displaced in the chaos, with their whereabouts unknown.
