Okuama: When Security Personnel Become Endangered Species

By Zayd Ibn Isah

Nigeria has been plunged into mourning afresh. Recently, 16 soldiers were killed, their bodies brutally mutilated in a horrific show of violence that engulfed the obscure community of Okuama in Delta State. News reports have it that the soldiers were on a peacekeeping mission to the community, and as such, they were unaware of the nefarious plans of some of the villagers. And this is how the nation lost sixteen of its able-bodied defenders to unscrupulous elements.

The Okuama attack marks the second assault against security personnel within Delta State in recent weeks. Prior to the attack on the Nigerian Army personnel, images had already surfaced to show the decomposing bodies of seven police officers who embarked on a rescue mission to Delta State before meeting their tragic fate. Their bodies were discovered by security forces and local vigilantes who worked together and combed the forest in search of them in a forest within Ohoror community, Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State.

The gruesome killings of security personnel by both state and non-state actors are utterly despicable. Understandably, the task of securing a nation is perilous and demands sacrifices, especially in a volatile country like ours. However, when those entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting lives, property, and the nation’s territorial integrity, gradually become endangered species themselves, a cause for grave concern arises. The situation can very well be likened to that of a shepherd being devoured by the wolves, leaving the sheep defenseless. The obvious question from this is, if those meant to ensure the safety and security of a nation are so easily and regularly slaughtered, what hope do the ordinary and unarmed citizens of the country possess?

According to a report published by the Punch Newspaper on 28th October 2023, 186 security agents were killed by both state and non-state actors in 2023 alone. This staggering statistic not only paints a grim picture of the challenges our security forces face, but is an urgent call for new strategies to meet the evolving nature of threats within Nigeria. Certainly, the Okuama tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to action against unscrupulous individuals who are hell-bent on undermining the sanctity of our security forces.

However, while the killings of the soldiers are a national tragedy, the call on the military by some aggrieved citizens to wipe out the entire community is sorely misplaced. It is even more surprising that those who have condemned indiscriminate killings in the past are the ones calling for such anarchy. The right to life is an essential element of the fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution. The military knows better, and that is why they refused to heed the eye-for-an-eye call and have instead gone after the murderers who have reportedly taken shelter in the creeks.

Ultimately, the Okuama tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the grave dangers faced by security personnel in the line of duty, and it underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to safeguard their lives as they protect our nation. Let us honor the sacrifice of those who have fallen by redoubling our commitment to upholding peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life.

Zayd Ibn Isah can be reached via [email protected]