Sixteen Nigerian soldiers lost their lives during a mission aimed at quelling clashes between two communities in the southern state of Delta, as per an army spokesperson’s statement. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau disclosed that the troops, hailing from the 181 Amphibious Battalion stationed in the Bomadi region, were responding to the conflict in the Okuoma community when the tragic incident occurred on Thursday.
General Gusau further revealed that the reinforcement team, under the leadership of the commanding officer, also faced an attack, resulting in casualties including the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
In response to the situation, the chief of defense has ordered an immediate investigation and the apprehension of those responsible for the attack. General Gusau mentioned that some arrests have already been made, with efforts underway to ascertain the motives behind the assault.
The southern Delta state frequently experiences clashes, often deadly, stemming from disputes over land ownership or compensation related to oil spills caused by energy companies.
Additionally, Nigeria’s northern and central regions continue to grapple with conflict, characterized by the presence of armed groups and allegations of government forces’ misconduct.
Earlier this year, renewed violence in Nigeria’s central Plateau State resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives. The clashes in Plateau State have historically been between Muslim herders and Christian farming communities, highlighting tensions in the Middle Belt, which serves as a boundary between the predominantly Muslim north and largely Christian south.
