A Board of Inquiry, set up by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, will start investigating the tragic killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State, today in Warri.
The Chairman of the Board, Air Vice Marshal David Ajayi, told Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Warri that the main goal is to gather accurate information from different stakeholders, such as security agencies, community leaders, and residents.
“We are on a fact-finding mission, not to apportion blame. We are here to gather facts from security agencies, community leaders, and community dwellers.
He also mentioned that the report will help improve communication for better civil-military relations and to revive economic activities in the affected communities.
“This report will also help us to ensure healthy communication that will enhance civil-military relations and ensure that economic activities thrive again in the affected communities.”
However, leaders from Okuama are hesitant to participate in the inquiry due to ongoing displacement and safety issues.
“Our people cannot participate in the military inquiry because Okuama people are displaced in the bush. How can people come out to attend such meetings? They are not even safe now,” one Okuama leader said.
Before the March 14 incident, Ejedegba Innocent, who was the community’s lawyer, confirmed that the Okuama people would not be attending the meeting.
On the other hand, a leader from the Okoloba community stated that they were willing to participate in the investigation.
The panel will start its meeting in the morning with Okoloba community leaders and then move on to Bayelsa State for further investigation on Friday.
The Delta State government also plans to submit a position paper to the military inquiry.
