The Nigerian Army has declared a professor and seven others wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in the Okuama community of Delta State in Nigeria.
The announcement, made via the official X handle on Thursday, aimed to bring justice to the perpetrators behind the heinous crime.
Posting the list titled ‘Wanted Persons in Connection to the Killing Of 17 Nigerian Army Personnel At Okuama Community,’ the sought individuals include Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono, Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Adoawei Dennis Bakriki, Igoli Ebi (female), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo, and Ruben Baru.
In response to the news, Nigerians took to social media to express mixed reactions.
One X user, Nwafresh, praised the Army’s action, stating, “If our Army is allowed to be this active with the death of our officers since the inception of Boko Haram, we won’t be having Bandits and other terrorist organizations disturbing the peace of the nation.”
Another user, Uzoma, commended the Army and urged them to continue pursuing those financing terrorism in Nigeria.
However, not all reactions were positive. Some users questioned the military’s involvement in the matter, @Esteem, expressing doubt about the military’s constitutional backing to pursue the wanted individuals.
Lawrence Okoro, raised concerns about civilian lives lost during the military’s search for the suspects, calling for accountability.
The brutal attack occurred on March 14 when a group of youths in the Okuama community ambushed and killed four officers and 13 soldiers who were on a peacekeeping mission.
In a sombre ceremony on March 27, President Tinubu and other dignitaries paid their last respects to the fallen military personnel as they were laid to rest in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
