Abraham Ogbodo, an Urhobo leader and former Editor of Guardian Newspaper, has said that the recent killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Delta State, is likely tied to crude oil, as with many conflicts in the Niger Delta....CONTINUE READING
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ogbodo stated, “It’s very true, nothing so grave happens in Niger Delta without oil underlining it.”
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the deployment of the officers and soldiers to Okuama, questioning if the community or local government invited them for the peace mission.
Regarding the incident, where four officers and 13 soldiers were gruesomely murdered, Ogbodo emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation before drawing conclusions.
He highlighted the complexity of the situation, doubting that community youths alone could carry out such an attack, especially considering the reported mutilation of the victims’ bodies.
Ogbodo called for a deeper examination of the incident beyond a single narrative provided by the military, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive investigation to unveil the truth.
The former editor emphasized that while there’s no justification for the killing of the officers and soldiers, an independent investigation is crucial to uncover the truth behind the incident.
He advocated for the investigation to be conducted by independent institutions like the police, the Department for State Services (DSS), among others, suggesting that involvement of the military might impede transparency.
Ogbodo stressed the importance of collaboration among these agencies but cautioned against the military’s direct involvement, noting challenges in accessing the affected area, even by the governor.
He underscored the need to avoid punishing the innocent while ensuring the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators in accordance with the law.
