society
Delta bloodbath: Governor warns monarchs against shielding suspects
Delta bloodbath: Governor warns monarchs against shielding suspects
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, cautioned traditional rulers in the state against shielding suspects involved in the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama Community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Oborevwori gave the warning when he addressed traditional rulers on the unfortunate incident at the State Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Asaba.
This was as the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta State, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, declared that his troops would remain in the creeks until the suspects were arrested and the weapons of the killed soldiers were recovered.
At least 17 military personnel were killed by irate youths during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities in Delta state.
The personnel attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Many residents of Okuama in the Ughelli South Local Government Area and Okolaba in the Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, fled the communities, as soldiers took over the area and reportedly set some houses ablaze in reaction to the killing of the soldiers.
It was reported that 15 bodies of the deceased military men were recovered by soldiers of the Joint Task Force under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, at the Okuama community.
Some of the recovered corpses had their heads severed off, while the stomachs of others were ripped off with some of the vital organs missing.
At the NDDC jetty in the community, the bodies of the commanding officer and two Majors were seen floating by the river bank as others were separated on land.
The neighbouring communities have been engaged in a communal land dispute since January 27, 2024.
Governor Oborevwori, while addressing monarch on Thursday, said such killing was alien to Delta State, describing it as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable, and vowed that those who committed the evil act must be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He said no kingdom should shield the perpetrators of the dastardly act, adding that Delta was governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency.
Oborevwori said, “On February 7, we summoned the people of Okoloba and Okuoma communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South Local Government Areas, including the members representing the two constituencies in the State House of Assembly, the council chairmen and their presidents-general, where we advised them that a lot has been happening in their area and they signed a peace accord.
“The killing of these Army officers and soldiers came as a rude shock to us, and when this thing happened, I immediately called the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army Staff because I was in Abuja. I came back and issued a press statement.
“On Monday, I went to Bomadi to meet with all the security chiefs, where we had our security council meeting and I got briefings from the Brigade Commander. In attendance were the GOC, 6 Division Nigeria Army, Maj Gen Jamil Abdussalam, and the JTF Commander, Rear Admiral John Okeke.
“After the meeting, I went to Abuja to meet with Mr. President to brief him on what happened. I also went to see the Chief of Army Staff to discuss with him. I also met with the National Security Adviser and the Inspector-General of Police.
“I felt that it is also proper that I brief you people even though you may be aware. Those people who committed that evil act must face the wrath of the law. No kingdom should shield those criminals, because Delta state is governed by the tenets of the law and human decency.”
The governor said the state would not tolerate such killings, adding that “it has never happened in this state; to kill one Lt. Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers. We need to fish out those involved.”
Warning the monarchs, the governor said, “Do not hide or shield anybody. The Chief of Army Staff and Mr President have assured me that innocent people will not be victimised; unless you connive with the killers of the soldiers.
BREAKING: How Illegal Vigilante Groups Carried Out Uromi Killings
The Edo State government is on top of the security situation arising from the mob killings of innocent Nigerians at Uromi. The government has long banned all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state.
Governor Monday Okpebholo therefore ordered security agencies to take firm action against the groups. He has also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), pending further investigations.
“The local vigilante group involved in the killings was never profiled or registered with the Edo State Security Corps,” and “Its actions do not reflect the principles of the Okpebholo administration”.
So far, 14 suspects have been arrested. A special police team set up by the Inspector General of Police is hunting others involved in the attack.
The Senator Okpehbholo led State government is assuring residents that justice would be served. It urged the public to remain calm while security agencies work to restore order.
Eid Fitri: Ambassador Ajadi Calls for Peace, Unity, and Continued Acts of Kindness
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Chairman and CEO of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has extended warm congratulations to Muslims worldwide, particularly Nigerians, on the successful completion of the 1446 Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid Fitri today, Sunday, March 30, 2025, which marks the first of Shawwal in the 1446 Muslim Calendar.
In a goodwill message sent to The Merit Newspaper and other media outlets, Ambassador Ajadi emphasized the significance of the holy month, urging Muslims to uphold the values of steadfastness, love, and unity that were observed during Ramadan. He encouraged them to extend these virtues beyond the fasting period to foster societal harmony.
“The spirit of Ramadan should not end with the sighting of the crescent moon. I urge all Nigerians to continue in the path of righteousness, avoid any ungodly activities they abandoned during the holy month, and embrace the virtues of kindness, generosity, and peace,” Ajadi stated.
Highlighting the essence of Eid Fitri as a time of joy and reflection, he called on Nigerians to celebrate in a manner that promotes peace and unity among all faiths. “Eid Fitri is a celebration of happiness, joy, and peace. It should remind us of the need to maintain the spirit of tolerance and togetherness,” he added.
In the spirit of the season, Ambassador Ajadi also announced that Bullion Records’ fast-rising artist, Abdul Rahman Yusuf, popularly known as Harcher, has released a new single, Peace, which aligns with the message of tranquility and unity. “This song resonates with the peaceful essence of Eid Fitri. It is available on all digital streaming platforms, and the video is being aired on local and cable TV stations, including YouTube,” he noted.
Furthermore, he revealed that Bullion Records is set to unveil two additional singles from Harcher—L.O.V.E and JO SI (Dance To It)—on April 1, 2025. “As we celebrate this joyous occasion, I encourage fans of good music to anticipate these upcoming hits that will add more rhythm to their celebrations,” Ajadi enthused.
He went on by wishing all Muslims and Nigerians a prosperous and peaceful Eid Fitri, reiterating his commitment to supporting positive initiatives that unite and inspire the people.
DR ADEGBOLA CALLS FOR UNITY AMONG NIGERIANS AS MUSLIM CELEBRATES EID -EL- FITR
In a heartfelt Sallah message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, Dr. Gbenga Adegbola has extended warm greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the entire Muslim ummah, especially in Oyo, the pace-setter State.
Dr Adegbola, who recently transitioned into active politics by joining the APC, emphasized the critical need for unity and collective purpose among Nigerians to effectively address the myriad challenges facing the nation and Oyo State. His call for solidarity comes at a time when Oyo State is navigating complex socio-economic issues, and he believes that a united front is essential for its progress and repositioning as the pace-setter State.
In his message, Dr Adegbola expressed, “As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us remember the values of love, compassion, and unity that this holy occasion embodies. It is imperative that we come together, to support one another and foster a spirit of cooperation that will lead to a brighter future for our beloved Nigeria, and Oyo State in particular.”
He further urged the general public to rally around President Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence in the leadership’s ability to steer the nation towards greatness. “I have unwavering faith that under President Tinubu’s watch, Nigeria will continue to rise and overcome its challenges,” he stated.
Dr Adegbola’s recent entry into the APC was marked by a warm reception from party stalwarts, including Dr. Ganduje and other key stakeholders. This transition signifies his commitment to serving the nation in a new capacity, leveraging his extensive experience in the military to contribute to the accelerated development of Oyo State.
As Muslims across the country gather to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, Dr Adegbola’s message resonates with the essence of the festive period—encouraging love, unity, and support for one another in the quest for Oyo State to be prosperous.
In closing, he reiterated, “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid by fostering unity and love among ourselves, and building a stronger and more resilient Oyo State: TOGETHER, WE CAN”
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