Okuama: Allow humanitarian assessment and aid distribution, Delta Online Publishers appeal to Military

Following the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 17 military personnel which provoked the military to occupy the once peaceful Okuama community, destroying of lives and properties of civilians in the area, a group of media entrepreneurs under the aegis of Delta Online Publishers forum, DOPF has appealed to the military to allow humanitarian assessment and aid distribution of relief materials.

The Online Publishers made the appeal in a condolence messages signed by its Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli and the Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha to the military authority, the Okuama Community and the government of Delta State, amid the gruesome murder and devastating loss of lives and destruction of properties.

The group also call for transparency, accountability in the heinous killing of 17 military personnel and the subsequent collateral damages which has consumed numerous civilians in a frenzy of reprisal attacks, which has deeply saddens and diminishes members of the Online Publishers.

“As we seek swift justice for the gallant fallen heroes, we equally emphasize the importance of upholding rules of engagement and established judicial procedures, especially as defined in Democratic systems.”

Stressed that Nigeria is not in a state of war or widespread civil unrest, it is imperative that operations prioritize citizen rights and safety.

The Media group also urged for a thorough investigative probe into the remote causes of the Okuama conflict, as already directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must necessarily include alleged cases of extra-judicial killings during military operations, which will not only be crucial to uphold justice and maintain public trust, but would also serve as a watershed reference in addressing subsequent brewing conflicts of similar symptomatic indices across the country.

Even as the group bear in the grief and sympathize with the military and Okuama Community during this difficult time. They called for unity in commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect for human rights for the betterment of our nation.