Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggested that the perpetrators behind the massacre of 15 Nigerian soldiers in Delta State might not be Nigerian nationals but foreign mercenaries.
March 14, a group of armed individuals attacked and fatally wounded 15 Nigerian Army personnel during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
During a debate on Tuesday, Akpabio expressed his belief that the assailants could be mercenaries rather than Niger Delta locals. He stated, “We are not at war. I don’t think they are from the Niger Delta. They may be mercenaries.”
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Following this revelation, the Senate initiated a probe into the incident. The Committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force has been tasked with collaborating with military authorities to ascertain the root causes of what the Senate described as “a heinous act.”
Additionally, the Senate called upon the Federal Government to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served. A moment of silence was observed to honor the fallen soldiers.
The Senate also urged the recruitment of more police officers to prevent the military from becoming involved in civil matters.
However, the Senate rejected a proposal to extend condolences to the families of innocent civilians who lost their lives during the incident, citing uncertainty about the exact number of casualties.
Although a request for relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency was turned down, the Senate agreed to provide immediate compensation to the families of the slain soldiers, as proposed by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau and seconded by Senator Tony Nwoye.
