PUNCH
Residents of Olota, another Urhobo Creek community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have again raised the alarm over another military invasion of the community
Olota community is said to be 50km away from the Okuama community where irate youths murdered 17 military personnel on March 14.
In the ongoing search for suspects involved in the killing of 17 soldiers and alleged snatching of military arms in Okuama, neighbouring Olota had suffered invasion by soldiers, who allegedly left one Joseph Willie dead.
In the latest development, soldiers were said to have invaded Olota again, burning two houses and destroying another, before taking away the community Chairman, Matthew Olokpa, and no fewer than nine others.
It was gathered that the military, in search of the culprits, extended their operations to neighbouring communities in the state.
The President-General of Olota, Prosper Evuarherhe, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report, but a resident who witnessed the incident said, “As of this moment, soldiers have invaded Olota again.
“Soldiers reentered Olota in three gunboats this (Thursday) morning. They have held the Chairman, Matthew Olokpa; Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua, and others.
“Gunshots roared in Olota. We ask those in authority to intervene and tell the soldiers to leave Olota in peace. They have left with those apprehended, no fewer than 10 persons. They burnt two houses and destroyed one.
“They also left with some boats belonging to residents. The community chairman was beaten to a stupor before they moved him with the others, along with a 75-engine boat belonging to Kenneth. This latest crisis may not be connected with Okuama.”
However, according to a post by the Nigerian Army on its X handle on Thursday night, the service said an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition was uncovered at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community.
The Army said the armoury was concealed in the residence of one Mr. Kenneth.
Connect with us on our socials: