Reps direct Nigerian Army to release report on Okuama killing
In a bid to ensure adherence to the rule of law, the House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Army to release the investigation report on the unfortunate killing of 17 soldiers on March 14, 2024, in Okuama Community, Ughelli South of Delta state.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Francis Waive at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday.
The House also called on the authorities of the Nigerian Army to either release the detained innocent members of the community or charge them to court.
It further stressed the need for the authorities to rebuild the homes destroyed by soldiers in the wake of the unfortunate incident.
The House mandated its Committee on Defence to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
While moving the motion, Waive noted that one year after the tragic incident, the community members in the Army’s custody have not been taken to court or released on bail.
He remarked that it was unfortunate that when the affected community requested that a judicial inquiry be made to look into the facts of the events, that option was not considered.
The lawmaker stated that since the Nigerian Army decided to conduct its own investigations, it is believed that by now, it should have concluded its investigations.
ALSO, the House of Representatives has decried the spate of killings, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes in Esan North-East and Esan South-East Federal Constituency of Edo State.
Adopting a motion under matters of urgent national importance sponsored by Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie at the plenary yesterday, the House directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to conduct an intensive investigation to curb the ugly trend.
The House also urged the Federal Government, through the defence headquarters, to establish a military base in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Council Area to enhance security presence and response capabilities in the region.
It mandated its committees on Defence, Army, National Security and Intelligence, Police and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative actions.
