In a sudden escalation of tension, armed soldiers reportedly descended upon the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State early Monday, September 9, 2024, triggering widespread panic among residents. According to local accounts, the soldiers, accompanied by gunboats, allegedly opened fire indiscriminately, sending villagers fleeing for safety.
A resident, speaking to Vanguard from a hiding place in the bush, claimed the military had been surveilling the area with drones the previous day before advancing on land through Okoloba community. In a video obtained by Vanguard, a community youth can be seen calling for urgent government intervention.
“Our village is under siege. Soldiers arrived, set fire to our tents, and are shooting at anything that moves,” the source lamented, adding that he had lost contact with his child amidst the chaos. He also accused the military of collaborating with local adversaries, expressing frustration over the continued harassment after the arrest of community leaders weeks earlier.
At this time, the reasons behind the military’s latest actions remain unclear, with further details expected as the situation develops.
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