Niger Delta-born peace and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on the Federal Government to carry out a discreet, independent investigation into the killing of 17 officers and soldiers at Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State without political interference at any level of government.
Recall that on Thursday, March 14, 2024, 17 officers and soldiers purportedly on a peace mission at Okuama over the land dispute between the community and Okoloba in Bomadi Local Government Area were ambushed and killed in the river by gunmen who have yet to be apprehended.
Mulade, who is the coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environs Justice (CEPEJ), urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the mystery behind the killings is unraveled to avert a recurrence.
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“It is imperative to state that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government must unravel and back his words with action to assure Nigerians and encourage our security personnel who are saddled with the primary responsibility of safeguarding our dear nation, especially in protecting lives and properties irrespective of politics, ethnicity, and religious affiliation.
“We cannot allow our gallant officers to be killed in this heinous, barbaric, and wicked manner.
“We demand justice for the dead whose souls are angry,” he demanded.
Mulade appealed that the investigative panel to be instituted should be “honest, dedicated, and committed to unraveling the perpetrators of the dastardly act and ensuring that no stone is left unturned to avert a recurrence.
Speaking further, he charged Nigerians to encourage and support security agencies to enable them to deliver on their national assignment as security is a collective responsibility, stressing that “if we must enjoy quality and robust security in Nigeria, all hands must be on deck.”
The Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State also called on all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, and political divide, to support and assist President Tinubu in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria because it has no boundaries.
“I want to strongly appeal and call on the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders to ensure that Delta State is safe for tourists and investors to create job opportunities for our teeming youths.
“Therefore, all hands must be on deck to stop this ugly image of national embarrassment,” he pleaded.