Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, has condemned the killing of 16 soldiers in Delta state.
The defence headquarters had said 16 soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, two majors and a captain were killed while on a peacekeeping mission on Thursday in Okuoma, Bomadi LGA of Delta state.
The soldiers were responding to a distress call after a communal clash broke out between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Festus Ahon, his chief press secretary, Oborevwori said the government is “gravely disturbed” by the “unprovoked killing” of the soldiers.
The governor said the killing of the soldiers is alien to the culture of Deltans, vowing to “fish out” the perpetrators.
“This incident is despicable and not in sync with the culture and tradition of Deltans. It runs contrary to the values and path of peace that the State Government is promoting as I have always emphasized in our MORE agenda to enhance peace and security,” the governor said.
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“On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I wish to condole, in particular, the families of the killed gallant officers and soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general, over this sad occurrence.
“The State Government shall take all measures necessary to fish out all those behind this dastardly act and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. Acts such as this incident cannot and will not be tolerated.”
The governor asked residents in the state to be law abiding as the government continues to take measures to protect lives and property.