Land Dispute Led To Killing Of Soldiers In Delta - Community Leader

Olorogun Sleek Oshare, a community leader in Delta State, has attributed the killing of military personnel in the state to a land dispute.

Oshare made this assertion during an interview on Channels TV's Politics Today program.

The incident occurred on Saturday, where 16 military personnel attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State lost their lives while on a peacekeeping mission. The soldiers responded to a communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities.

According to Oshare, the conflict stemmed from a land dispute between two families, a common situation in the region. He emphasized that undue pressure was exerted on the Okuoma community, leaving them vulnerable and without adequate representation.

In his remarks, Oshare highlighted the absence of the Okoloba community from the narrative, suggesting their reluctance to engage due to fear. He cautioned against framing the dispute as an ethnic issue, asserting that it was primarily a conflict between individuals and Okoloba, which appeared to have more influence.

Oshare further noted that the families involved in the dispute held prominent positions, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. He urged empathy towards the innocent civilians affected by the violence, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly.