Founder and President of Soccer 4 Peace Foundation, Ozuem Onyebolise has appealed to the military authorities to halt collective punishment following threats to his life.
This is contained in a statement signed by him in Abuja.
The statement also calls for peace and restoration of order in Okuoma Community despite threats to life.
“As it is, I fear for my safety as I have been receiving threats from anonymous calls” Onyebolise adds.
The statement urges both the Federal and State governments to set up a panel of investigations into the matter on the ground for normalcy to return to the Community.
It explains that the loss of life, and properties and a deep sense of fear from the villagers have caused most of them to flee their homes and hide in neighbouring surroundings.
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“Residents have been forced to flee their homes to the neighbouring Ughelli community for fear of further reprisal attacks from soldiers” he stresses.
According to him, “It’s not clear who razed the houses, but there are strong allegations that soldiers are behind it to retaliate against the death of their colleagues.
“I appeal to the military authorities to halt the destruction of the properties of innocent people of Okuama communities. As collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law. Innocent civilians should not be harmed over the actions of the perpetrators,” Onyebolise emphasizes.
On Thursday, March 14, 2024, 16 Nigerian soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed while on a mission to halt clashes between two warring communities, Okuama and Okoloba, in Delta State and the Okuama community was razed during the early hours of Sunday, March 17, three days after the soldiers were killed.