The Catholic Bishop of Bomadi Diocese in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo, has condemned the killing of 17 military officers and soldiers at Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta.
Addressing journalists in Yenagoa on Tuesday, while he condoled with the military for their loss, he urged the government not to politicise the incident by finding a lasting solution to the communal bellyache.
Bishop Egbebo, who condemned in totality the killing of the symbols of Nigeria’s integrity, urged the Nigerian Army and other security outfits to carry out their reprisals with a touch of humanity, as two wrongs cannot make a right.
Bishop Egbebo further sued for peace, as he called for an appropriate investigation into the massacre in order to unmask the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
“My condolences to the military team who were killed, because it’s happening next door to me.
“It’s a pity that this calibre of military personnel was mowed down in cold blood.
“We pray that it does not happen around here anymore. To kill police or soldiers, you’re really taking on Nigeria.
“Whatever it is, nobody should lay hands on military personnel or the person; anything that represents the country is symbolic, and it’s so important; our integrity is at stake.
“I’ve heard the head of state in that regard, which is true. Anyone who has done this should be brought to book.
“Unfortunately, some people are even being killed now because I saw houses being burned in Okuama.
“I pray that the military will approach this with some kind of humanity and not kill any more people. We don’t want more killings around here. We want peace.
“If the government is not politicising this, it can offer a solution to the problem,” the senior cleric noted.
Recall that the lingering land dispute between neighbouring Okuama and Okoloba communities of Ughelli South Local Government Area and Bomadi Local Government Area of the state climaxed when troops from the Nigerian Army said to be on a peace and rescue mission were attacked and killed in such a despicable manner last Thursday.
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