Okuama: Army Invade Urhobo Community, Arrest Suspects

The Nigerian Army have again invaded Olota, an Urhobo Creek community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Olota is situated approximately 50 kilometers away from the Okuama community, where irate youths brutally murdered 17 military personnel on March 14.

In the ongoing pursuit of suspects involved in the killing of 17 soldiers and the alleged snatching of military arms in Okuama, the neighboring Olota community has endured another invasion by soldiers

The military reportedly burned down two houses, destroyed another, and apprehended the community Chairman, Matthew Olokpa, along with at least nine others.

A resident said:

“As of this moment, soldiers have invaded Olota again.

“Soldiers reentered Olota in three gunboats this (Thursday) morning. They have held the Chairman, Matthew Olokpa; Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua, and others.

“Gunshots roared in Olota. We ask those in authority to intervene and tell the soldiers to leave Olota in peace. They have left with those apprehended, no fewer than 10 persons. They burnt two houses and destroyed one.

“They also left with some boats belonging to residents. The community chairman was beaten to a stupor before they moved him with the others, along with a 75-engine boat belonging to Kenneth. This latest crisis may not be connected with Okuama.”

Nonetheless, as per a statement released by the Nigerian Army via its X channel on Thursday evening, authorities revealed that they had discovered an armory housing a substantial stockpile of weapons and ammunition at the home of an arms trafficker in the Olota community.

It stated that the inventory seized from the suspect’s residence included four G3 rifles with accompanying magazines, a Pump Action Semi-Automatic Gun, three Sub-Machine Guns with magazines, and a total of 476 live cartridges.

The statement read:

“In a successful operation to eradicate illegal weapons in the South-South region, Nigerian Army troops have uncovered an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community and adjoining communities of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

“Responding to actionable intelligence, the troops raided the identified armoury concealed in the residence of one Mr Kenneth, a notorious gun runner in the said community.

“A search of the armoury yielded one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special. The operation further extended to other adjoining locations within the community, resulting in the discovery of four G3 rifles and magazines, one Pump Action Semi Automatic Gun, three Sub-Machine Guns and magazines, as well as 476 live cartridges.

“Additionally, the troops recovered five locally fabricated guns, a large plastic bag containing a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa and two speed boats with 75 horsepower outboard engines The troops also apprehended three suspects during the operation.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sanitising and mopping up illicit munitions in possession of criminal elements in the region, as it works tirelessly to maintain peace and security for all law-abiding citizens.”