The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, has given reasons residents of Okuama in Delta State are yet to have access to their homes days after the military took over the community.
The CDS spoke on a day the chairman of the Okoloba community in Delta State, Mr. Clement Koki, alleged that the people of Okuama hired the mercenaries who killed the military men in the riverside settlement.
Recall that Okuama and Okoloba communities have been embroiled in a communal clash which preceded the killing of the military personnel.
Speaking on Arise TV, Gen Musa said troops were currently conducting a cordon and search operation in the community (as arms and ammunition of the killed in-action troops have not been recovered).
It would be recalled that irate youths who are suspected residents of Okuama working with some other suspects on March 14, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers
The Defence Headquarters had said the troops were attacked while responding to a distress call, arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State.
Eight suspects have since been declared wanted in connection with the brutal murder of the military personnel by Defence headquarters.
Gen Musa stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and residents of Okuama where the attack took place, have no access to the community because the security agencies were carrying out a “cordon and search” operation in the area.
He also said the Nigerian Army was not taking laws into its own hands by declaring wanted, some persons wanted over the killing of the 17 officers and men.
“We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon and search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft.
“They have bought a lot of weapons. It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon, no explosive is left in the community. I can tell you that at the end of the operation, residents of the community will always go back,” he said
Meanwhile, Okoloba community has accused Okuama of being behind the killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army in their domain.
