Okuama killings: Army declares eight persons wanted

The Nigerian Army has officially declared eight individuals wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in the Okuama community in Delta State.

This announcement was made through the Nigerian Army's official X account on Thursday.

The wanted persons consist of seven men and one woman, namely: Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriki, Igoli Ebi (female), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, and Reuben Baru.

The suspected mastermind behind the tragic incident, a militant leader, and his accomplices, who are currently evading capture, appear to be operating primarily in Igbomotoru, a riverside community in the Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The Nigerian Army has expanded its search for the fugitives, extending its efforts to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, where three individuals were apprehended last Tuesday in connection with the soldiers' killing.

The relentless pursuit of the perpetrators has now encompassed the creeks, hideouts, and communities across Delta State, Bayelsa, and Rivers states. There are indications that the search may extend to other states in the Niger-Delta region and beyond if necessary, according to insider sources.

Many suspect that the motive behind the soldiers' killings goes beyond a mere land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba in the Bomadi local government area, with suggestions pointing towards disagreements related to oil bunkering activities.

Lieutenant Colonel Ali, who was among those killed, was reportedly focused on combating oil theft in his operational area and had made significant progress. There are suspicions that his assassination, along with other military personnel, could be linked to this anti-bunkering stance.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of the Defense Staff, issued directives for the apprehension of the culprits, implying a connection between the killings and illegal oil activities.

Musa stated, "We know who did it, we are following up on him, and it is just a matter of time, we are sure we are going to get him. They took away our arms, we must get those arms back, and we must get these guys so that they would be prosecuted accordingly."

Furthermore, the Army acknowledged a viral video by a militant leader confessing to involvement in the soldiers' killings, which aids in narrowing down the investigation and identifying persons of interest and their associates.

The Army called upon state governments and host communities of these suspects to collaborate in flushing out the perpetrators, stressing that there should be no refuge for those responsible for such heinous acts against the nation.