Edwin Clark Criticizes Military Raid Following Soldiers’ Killing

Elder Statesman Edwin Clark Criticizes Military Invasion Over Soldiers’ Killing

Elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark has raised objections to the military invasion of his country home in the Kiagbodo area and that of his father in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The invasion was purportedly in connection with allegations of harboring a suspect involved in the killing of 17 military personnel in the Okuama community.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the nonagenarian leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) recounted the events of March 23, 2024, when officers of the Nigerian Army raided his Kiagbodo residence. Despite the intrusion, Pa Clark stated that he had forgiven the military following an apology from one of their commanders.

Pa Clark also condemned the brutal killing of 17 military personnel in the Okuama community on March 14, 2024. He characterized the act as barbaric and emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for the fallen soldiers.

The Defense Headquarters subsequently released the names of the 17 military personnel who lost their lives during the attack, which occurred during a peace mission to resolve conflicts between warring communities in the area. Among the casualties were the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 other personnel from the battalion.

The heinous crime has elicited widespread condemnation across Nigeria, with prominent figures like Tinubu denouncing it as an assault on the nation. Tinubu issued directives to security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the perpetrators responsible for orchestrating the attack.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and order in conflict-prone regions of Nigeria. It also highlights the need for thorough investigations and decisive action to bring those responsible to justice and prevent similar atrocities in the future.