Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has advised the military not to retaliate against the Delta community of Okuoma after the killing of its personnel.
Falana also urged the police to identify and prosecute those responsible for the deaths of 16 soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, two majors, and a captain, who were killed during a peacekeeping mission in Okuoma, Bomadi LGA of Delta State.
In a statement, Falana praised the Army for not responding with a reprisal attack on the communities.
“We join the members of civilized humanity in condemning the brutality meted out to the military officers and soldiers as they were deployed for a peacekeeping mission to resolve the crisis in two warring communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State,” he said.
“We are, however, pleased to note that the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
“Having regard to the massacre of innocent people when the military invaded Odi in Bayelsa State and Zaki Biam in Benue State in similar circumstances, we commend the military authorities for resisting the temptation to subject the two warring communities to a reprisal attack.
“By all means, the army should avoid a repeat of the history of having multiple tragedies.”
Falana suggested that the Delta State Government and local authorities should help the police identify and capture the killers in order to bring them to justice.
