Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Alli and 15 other soldiers have been murdered in Delta State.

The soldiers were killed while trying to restore peace to two warring communities.

Various sources have narrated how Alli led other troops of the Nigerian Army to Okuama community in the Bomadi Local Government area of the state on March 14.

Okuama and Okoloba communities were experiencing communal unrest, which necessitated the deployment of troops from 181 Amphibious Batallion of the Nigerian Army to calm the situation.

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Reportedly, some youths in Okuama violently rounded up the troops and killed them. The circumstances of the murder had not been made public as of press time.

In a statement on the incident, the army authorities said the commanding officer, two majors, a captain and 12 other soldiers died.

“The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on peace mission to OKUOMA community in BOMADI LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024,” a statement signed by Tukur Gusau, the acting director, defence information, on Saturday read in part.

“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.

“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers.

“The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.

“The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Govt. However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.

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“So far, a few arrests have been made while steps in place to unravel the motive behind the attack. Additional details later.”

Zagazola, a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, gave the name of the commanding officer as Abdullahi Hassan Alli, as well as his various career exploits in different regions of the country.