The pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the killing of 17 soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Delta State.

The soldiers were on a peace mission to the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area on Thursday when they were attacked.

In a statement titled “Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Unleashed Wrath: A Stern Revengeful Warning,” issued on Tuesday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group described the Okuama massacre as “a tragic chapter stained in blood which has left Ndigbo in a state of deep mourning, profound sorrow, and unrelenting anger.”

“The callous and heinous act that claimed the lives of 17 soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State is a bitter reminder of the treachery that lurks among us,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo particularly mourned the loss of Major DE Obi, an Igbo officer, and his comrades who sacrificed their lives in service.

“We hurl our unrestrained fury at the perpetrators of this vile slaughter, branding their actions as barbaric, satanic, and symbolic of cowardice,” the group said.

Ohanaeze called on the people of Delta State to rise in unison and ensure that the killers are brought to swift justice.

“The people of Delta State must rise in unison to ensure that these armed killers are brought to swift justice and face the total weight of the law for their sins,” the statement added.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo extended its sympathies to the grieving families and promised to immortalise the legacy of Major DE Obi and the other fallen soldiers.

“In the forthcoming 2024 Igbo Easter Retreat in Asaba, we will light the flames of tribute for Major DE Obi and the other 16 fallen soldiers, immortalising their legacy in the annals of our history,” the group said.

Furthermore, the organisation expressed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to address the country’s economic and security challenges.

“Additionally, we will bestow the highest honour upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in solidarity and support for his leadership during these tumultuous times,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo also called on the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 election – Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, respectively – to set aside their differences and join hands with the Tinubu-led administration to find solutions to the challenges confronting the nation.

“We call upon political stalwarts like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso to set aside their feuds and join hands in solidarity with Tinubu to steer our nation through the murky waters of economic and security crises that threaten to engulf us,” the statement urged.