Delta: One Killed, 3 Injured In Fresh Ambush As Army Withdraws From Okuama 

By Stephen Asaba-ase

Again, fresh tension brewed in Bomadi and Ughelli Local Government Areas as Akugbene community in Bomadi Local Government Areas accused the embattled Okuama irate youth of carrying out another deadly ambush against its residents, leading to the death of one person, while three were seriously butchered on Wednesday.

Congress news gathered that on March 14, 2024, soldiers who went for Peace and Rescue Mission were killed, prompting the military to burn down Okuama community in retaliation.

It was learned that the soldiers suddenly withdrew from the besieged Okuama community, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, without any previous information.

“We were surprised to see the soldiers withdrew yesterday (Tuesday) and that some members of the Okuama immediately returned to the community,” said a former Akugbene leader who requested anonymity.

“We believe that some Urhobo soldiers from Okuama sent them information about the withdrawal plan. Now we have some relief because we are locked in a cage and we don’t have to go back to where we came from. We buy most of our food and household products from Okwagbe market.

“But as I told you, there is a problem: three indigenous people in the Akugbene community were ambushed and attacked with machetes by people returning to Okuama. The victims were heading towards the Ezebiri community along the road that connects the different communities when they were attached.

“One of the people who fled to our community with machete wounds said they were attacked by people returning from Okuama on their way to Ezebiri and when they managed to escape, they used the shared path on the river bank.

“The victim is in critical condition at our primary care centre.”

A resident from another neighboring community confirmed the incident: “Yes, they withdrew from Okuama yesterday (Tuesday) around 5-6pm. One of the soldiers said he received a signal from above.

Another Akugbene source revealed to newsmen the circumstances of the death of one of the two victims who fled to the area due to rumors of chaos in the creek.

“As I told you, one of the survivors of the attack died in Okuama,”

He added. But the Chairman of the Okoloba community, Clement Koki, in his response said his community would continue to maintain peace and pray for God’s protection. For our part, we as a community will continue to maintain peace and pray for God Almighty’s protection and support”.