FOR the second time and weeks after arresting its community leaders, armed soldiers in gunboats stormed Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Council of Delta State early Monday morning, September 9, allegedly shooting sporadically and sacking the community.
This was as the people were beginning to pick their pieces after the initial invasion, following the killing of 14 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the once sleepy, rural community by suspects said to be youths from there.
According to Vanguard, a man from the community who spoke on phone from the bush said the troops came on land through Okoloba community after using drones to monitor the community on Sunday, September 8.
A recorded video of the monitoring drones sent to the newspaper revealed a community youth lamenting the situation and calling on government for help.
“As I speak, soldiers and some youths have stormed our community, shooting at anything in sight. They parked their boats at Okoloba and came on foot. The small tents we have built are being razed.
“Everyone is in disarray; I can’t find my child. Why are we being treated in this manner? Why will soldiers team up with our enemies to attack us?
“Our leaders were arrested weeks ago and now they have come to sack the community.”
It was not clear what could have led to the latest invasion, but it might not be unconnected with the killings earlier in the year, which led to the declaration of some persons wanted by the military high command, including the community’s traditional ruler.
The monarch later surrendered himself to the state Police Command, which handed him over to the military in Asaba, the state capital. He was subsequently taken to Abuja, when he was detained for some months until he was released.
The military later arrested some of the suspects declared wanted, including community leaders.
