News information circulating on WhatsApp has caught the attention of the CDD War Room. The report, which included graphic images, claimed that the military murdered more than 50 young people in the Igbomotoru community of Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State.
The report, attributed to “Hot News Reporters,” also stated that the attacks were linked to the killings of military personnel in Delta State’s Okuama community.
The CDD War Room discovered that the “breaking news” was initially shared by an X user who claimed that the community had been rendered inaccessible to media coverage. Since then, the picture has been circulated throughout the nation’s media and blogs.
What happened in Okuama?
The Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State’s Bomadi LGA have been embroiled in an age-long land-related conflict that resurfaced in January 2024, and which resulted in fatalities, kidnappings, and injuries.
On March 14, 2024, there was a new round of violence between the communities, with three people reportedly killed.
Troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion stationed in Bomadi LGA’s were dispatched to de-escalate the situation. While responding to the distress call, at least 16 military personnel were surrounded by enraged youths in the community, viciously attacked, and brutally killed.
Another report, however, stated that the army came into the community for peace talks, which had begun on a good note, as the soldiers were said to have been welcomed and entertained in the town hall. It became problematic when they requested that the community leaders come with them; the people refused, and it reportedly became violent.
There was outrage against and strong condemnation of the killing of the military men. According to a statement released by the State House, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called the attack a direct attack on the nation and stated that the Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff have been given full authority to pursue and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Following the incident, residents of the Okuama community fled in fear of reprisal attacks. In their statement, the army claimed that the attack was communally planned, but they also assured the community that there would be no reprisal attacks and that law-abiding citizens would not be harmed in the process of ensuring justice.
On March 15, it was reported that the military had surrounded the community and set fire to many homes. Some residents claimed that at least 50 people had been killed in the community.
The military, on the other hand, denied involvement in the razing of houses in the community and suggested, through its director of media operations, Edward Buba, that the attacks were most likely carried out by the rival Okoloba community.
What about Igbomotoru?
On March 18, 2024, reports of military attacks on the Igbomotoru community of Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa State surfaced online. According to reports, the military led the charge in razing buildings. It has been suggested that this raid has something to do with the events in Okuama.
The army is said to have been able to locate and apprehend the criminal suspects, some of whom were thought to have escaped to nearby states, including Igbomotoru Bayelsa State.
CDD War Room was privy to information, through a source resident in the region, that a militant leader who was allegedly “contracted” to attack one of the communities is actually from Igbomotoru.
Troops from the Nigerian army stormed the community, shooting sporadically and razing three houses suspected of being the hideout of the militant leader, also suspected to be involved in the killings of military personnel. As of the time of this report, 11 people had been confirmed dead, with many more unaccounted for.
It is worth noting that although Igbomotoru and Okuama are in different states, they are connected by a river.
Verdict: All we know.