Sowore Clarifies Deletion of Video Clips, Calls for Impartial Probe into Soldiers’ Killing
Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, has explained why he deleted video clips he previously uploaded on social media showing a burning village purportedly from reprisal by Nigerian soldiers against Okuama Community in Delta State.
The Nigerian military was accused of carrying out the reported reprisal in response to the killing of 17 soldiers in the community earlier on Thursday.
However, the military denied the allegation and suggested that the retaliatory attack on the Okuama Community could have been carried out by the rival Okoloba Community.
Mr. Sowore, in a post on his social media handle on Monday, stated that he deleted the video clips after new evidence showed that a particular clip was from an old and different incident in Nembe, Bayelsa State. He apologized for the error but reiterated his call for the Nigerian army to refrain from further reprisals against innocent civilians in Okuama and other settlements in the Niger Delta region.
He also called for an impartial investigation into the murder of the military personnel in the community, emphasizing the need to uncover the real culprits involved in killing Nigerian soldiers in Okuama.
The incident in Okuama involved suspected residents ambushing and murdering the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers. While the military initially reported 16 soldiers killed, they later updated the figure to 17, including the commander and other personnel.
Mr. Sowore’s call for an investigation reflects the need for transparency and justice in resolving the conflict and ensuring accountability for the loss of lives.
Premium Times
