Residents of the Okuama community in Delta State have leveled accusations against Nigerian army personnel, alleging that they were responsible for the deaths of several individuals during a recent invasion in the area.
Vero Joseph, a resident of Okuama, spoke to Vanguard and identified the victims allegedly killed by military officers as Magdalene, James, John, and others.
Joseph’s claims come in the wake of a previous incident where soldiers lost their lives in Delta State.
Recalling the events that unfolded, Joseph stated, “I am in this bush because of the trouble in our community; we were on the farm that day. The farm I went to was not far. We heard that soldiers were coming, so I ran home. I got to the town hall and we entertained the soldiers.”
“In the end, they said they would go with our chairman and leaders, so, we, the women knelt and pleaded with them, but they were trying to drag him with others. We held and dragged them back. From there, the army started shooting, some people fell, and there was commotion.”
“We later heard that as the soldiers were going to the jetty, other boats came and started shooting everyone. That is how they killed the soldiers and our people. We have been suffering in this bush since March 14. We do everything inside this bush, no food, no drugs.”
Joseph further lamented the dire conditions they faced, stating, “I have worn this single wrapper since then, we are hungry and suffering. I am with only two of my kids, I do not know where my husband is, and I do not know where the other children are. Everyone is scattered, I do not know who is dead.”
She vehemently denied the allegations against the community, saying, “Our people did not kill soldiers, we do not know Amagbein that they are talking about, we do not have oil in our community, and we do not do bunkering. Soldiers killed Magdalene, James, and John. They are the ones I could remember before running into this bush.”
“We beg the governor to tell the soldiers to leave our community so that we can go back home, the suffering is too much,” Joseph pleaded.
The situation remains tense in Okuama as residents endure hardship and uncertainty amidst the ongoing conflict.
