The killing of some soldiers and a civilian said to be on a rescue mission in Okuama community in Delta State, southern Nigeria, is condemnable and unacceptable, as well as calls on the army to ‘level’ the area in retaliation.
Development Diaries reports that those killed included a commanding officer, two majors, one captain, 12 soldiers and a civilian.
The attack on the soldiers is sad. There is no reason, excuse, or justification for it. And as citizens of Nigeria, we must all rise up against it.
It must also be said that this is a tragic incident that requires careful consideration and a strategic response.
According to media reports, soldiers deployed to the community have been seen razing and demolishing houses, while civilians have had to scamper off to safety in other communities.
The immediate consequence of such actions is the creation of a humanitarian crisis, as innocent civilians, including women and children, will be displaced and left homeless.
When security forces engage in such punitive actions against civilians, it erodes trust between the civilian population and the security operatives.
Communities could become more hesitant to collaborate with security forces in providing information or cooperating in efforts to combat insurgency or banditry, further complicating security operations.
What is expected in light of the attack is a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding it.
The Nigerian army should gather evidence, interview witnesses, and utilise forensic expertise to understand what happened and who were those responsible.
Also, after such an attack, it is crucial to reassess and strengthen security measures for Nigerian military personnel deployed on peace missions. This can involve reviewing protocols, enhancing training, and deploying additional resources as needed to mitigate risks.
Additionally, the action of some citizens calling on the army to ‘level’ the community is condemnable. As a matter of fact, that would be a violation of international human rights law. We must avoid excessive use of military force.
Development Diaries calls on the Defence Headquarters to deploy resources for an independent impartial investigation into the attack to identify the perpetrators.
We particularly call on the Nigerian army to restrain its officers and ensure that the rights of innocent civilians are respected.
Finally, our hearts go out to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones.
Photo source: Blueprint
