*** Calls for thorough investigation
The Chairman of the Urhobo Youth Association, FCT Chapter, Kennedy Ejename has Condemned the Killing of Army Personnel in Delta State
The leader in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, called for thorough Investigation, while appealing to the military to refrain from targeting peaceful and law-abiding citizens concerned.
The Urhobo Youth Leader, strongly condemned the recent tragic incident in which 16 military officers were killed by unidentified gunmen along the river bank of Okuama community in Ewu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
He also appealed to the federal and state governments to establish an independent panel of inquiry to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of the 16 soldiers.
The statement emphasized on the association’s disapproval of the unwarranted destruction of homes, in Okuama community by the military, which has displaced peaceful and law-abiding residents of the community.
He calls for the unconditional release of the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, HRM Clement Ikolo, to his people.
Furthermore, He appealed to the military to refrain from targeting peaceful and law-abiding citizens, Peace activists in response to recent events and this concerns were further stated in respect to one of its members, Ozuem Esiri Onyebolise. Reports of harassment of neighboring Urhobo communities by unidentified military personnel accompanied by Ijaw youths in connection with apprehending those responsible for the Okuama attack are deeply concerning and must cease further escalation of tensions in the area.
The youth leader appealed to both the military and the people of Okuama to maintain calm and entrust the federal and state governments with the resolution of the matter.
The association warned that any further aggression towards other Urhobo communities along violate international standards for handling such situations as there are already confirmed reports.
He calls upon the residents of Okuama community and their Ijaw counterparts in Okoloba community to uphold the current peace while awaiting the outcomes of the government and military investigations into this tragic incident.
