‘We didn’t bargain for it’ — Oborevwori meets Tinubu over killing of soldiers

Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, has met with President Bola Tinubu over the killing of soldiers in Okuama community, Bomadi LGA of the state.

Oborevwori met with Tinubu at the presidential villa on Tuesday.

Last Thursday, 17 military personnel — comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 13 soldiers — were killed while on a “peacekeeping mission” in Okuama.

The Delta state and federal governments had condemned the incident while promising that perpetrators would face the wrath of the law.

Some hours after the incident, several houses in the community were reportedly razed.

In a statement on Monday, the Nigeria Army said the killing of the soldiers was “communally orchestrated” noting that the troops would not retaliate.

Speaking with State House correspondents, Oborevwori said those who perpetrated the killings would be brought to justice, adding that innocent citizens will not be attacked.

The Delta governor said though the situation at the community had been brought under control, the residents have deserted the area.

Oborevwori said there is a need to provide succour for families of the deceased soldiers and also give them a befitting burial.

“Since last year, we have been enjoying peace in Delta state and we commend all security agencies,” the governor said.

“Mr President assured me that he is in support of the peace and we both condemned the killing of the officers and the soldiers.

“What is happening now is something that we didn’t bargain for but we want to assure everybody that there would be no more attack on the villages if there is anyone that has happened in the past.

“We know that those who are culpable would be brought to book. But the innocent citizens would not be attacked.

“When something happens like this, it is always easy to manage the tension.

“Yesterday (Monday), I was in Bomadi for security meeting and I got full details and briefings.

“So, some of these are security issues that you cannot say publicly. That’s the truth and we are managing the situation.”