In response to escalating tensions in the besieged Okuoma community of Delta State, the Nigerian military has taken decisive action by deploying swamp buggies to the area.
The move comes after a recent ambush on soldiers by Okuoma youths, which resulted in fatalities and prompted a retaliatory attack by the military, leading to the burning of houses in the community.
Two swamp buggies were transported via trailer-trucks to barges at the Bomadi Police Division waterfront before being moved into the creeks, signaling a proactive effort to address the unrest.
Reports from neighbouring communities confirm sightings of the heavy vehicles being transported through river channels toward Okuoma, although the exact purpose of their deployment remains unclear.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region, with heightened security measures evident in Bomadi and surrounding areas. Armoured vehicles and uniformed personnel are strategically positioned, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security amidst the volatile situation.
In a related development, the chairman of Akugbene community, who was detained by the military Joint Task Force (JTF) Bomadi Division over alleged involvement in harboring suspects from Okuoma, has been released. This followed the community’s cooperation in producing the alleged perpetrators in their custody, underscoring collaborative efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.
