Military Declares DELSU Prof Ekpekpo Arthur Wanted Over Murder of Soldiers
Following this tragic loss, the Federal government after sympathizing with those affected by the loss, in a strong statement, expressed its condemnation of recent attacks on members of the armed forces, labelling such acts as direct assaults on the nation itself. The government declared its unwavering stance against these "wicked" actions and pledged full support to the Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff in their pursuit of justice.
Clare Ijeoma 
The Nigerian Military has declared Prof Ekpekpo Arthur, a Professor of the Department of Physics, Delta State University, Abraka wanted over the alleged killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State.
In an official statement issued by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on Sunday, the 17th of March, 2024, he declared that sixteen militants and one civilian lost their lives in an ambush while they tried to intervene between Okuama and Okoloba communities crisis.
"On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State... A commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was killed too."
Following this tragic loss, the Federal government after sympathizing with those affected by the loss, in a strong statement, expressed its condemnation of recent attacks on members of the armed forces, labelling such acts as direct assaults on the nation itself. The government declared its unwavering stance against these "wicked" actions and pledged full support to the Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff in their pursuit of justice.
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The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff were thereby empowered with full authority to apprehend and prosecute anyone found culpable in these reprehensible crimes against the Nigerian people.
After a series of investigations, the Nigerian Army has declared Prof Ekekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (Aka Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukeywe, Ruben Baru, and Igoli Ebi wanted.
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According to the Army spokesman, the deceased soldiers were killed when sent as a reinforcement team in response to a "distress call" following the trouble between the above-named communities who have clashed repeatedly over land ownership recently. This was after the first troops deployed in the Bomadi region were murdered.
Adding that, so far, a few arrests have been made while steps are in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.
