The Delta community, where 16 soldiers were tragically killed on Thursday, has been completely razed, according to reports from Channels Television.
Tribune Online also confirmed the incident, stating that the Nigerian military acknowledged the deaths of the soldiers, including four officers, in a statement released on Saturday.
Among the victims were the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers.
The soldiers were deployed to intervene in the conflict between two feuding communities: the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
Channels Television reported that the Okuama coastal community, where the soldiers were killed, was destroyed on Sunday morning.
The exact perpetrators of the destruction are not clear at this time, nor is there confirmation of casualties resulting from the incident.
However, residents have reportedly fled to the neighbouring Ughelli community out of fear of potential reprisals by the military.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the spokesperson of the Nigerian military, stated in his Saturday release that the military would conduct an investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
He did not suggest any plans for reprisals against the community.
As of the time of this report, there is no evidence implicating soldiers in the burning of the Okuama community. General Gusau mentioned in his statement that some suspects have been apprehended.
“The military, however, remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.
“So far, a few arrests have been made while steps have been taken to unravel the motive behind the attack,” he stated.
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