By Andrew Ikehi
The Delta State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the State Government in condemning the killing of 16 soldiers at Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State.
The condemnation came following a motion raised at Tuesday’s Plenary under matters of urgent public importance by the member representing Ughelli South state constituency, Hon Festus Utuama.
Hon. Utuama in the motion at Tuesday’s Plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, had sought vehement condemnation of the unprovoked killing of the 16 officers and men of the Nigerian Military and one civilian whom he said, were on peace mission at the community.
While commiserating with the immediate families of the slain soldiers and the Nigerian Army, the lawmakers called on the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as a matter of urgency, to urge relevant security agencies to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who carried out the dastardly act.
Also, the lawmakers enjoined the State Governor to constitute a commission of inquiry to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the crisis between Okuama community in Ughelli South and Okoloba community in Bomadi local government area.
Further, the lawmakers, while appealing passionately to the Nigerian Military to temper justice with mercy, asked the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to our in place measures aimed at protecting the elderly men, women, children and the vulnerable persons whom they said, have suffered untold hardship as well as loss of property since the crisis began barely a week ago.
Meanwhile, the speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor has directed that the motion should be forwarded to the State Governor for immediate action just as he enjoined the Assembly House committee on Legislative compliance to ensure full compliance of the resolution.
The motion was unanimously adopted by the House following a voice vote called by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor just as a minute silence was observed in honour of the slain soldiers.
