The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has initiated a probe into the tragic killing of four senior officers and 12 soldiers in Delta State.

The slain military personnel responded to a distress call following a communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, where they were subsequently attacked and killed on Thursday, March 14.

Confirming the incident, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the victims were surrounded by community youths while troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion were on a peace mission in the Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.

“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 statement read.

“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the deaths of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.”

Gusau further stated that the incident had been reported to the Delta State Government, and the Chief of Defence Staff directed the immediate unmasking of the culprits. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

“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 Government,” he affirmed.

“However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country. So far, a few arrests have been made while steps in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.”