Do not Mistake the Hospitality of Our People For Cowardice, Okowa Warns Herdsmen, Charges Army to Fish Out Its Personnel that Aided Attackers that Killed 8 Villagers

The governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa has charged the authorities of the Nigerian Army to investigate the alleged involvement of its personnel in the violent herdsmen attack on various communities in Uwheru Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State which claimed the lives of 8 people.

Okowa while reacting to the attack in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika warned the herdsmen in the state not to take the hospital of the people of the state for cowardice.

“The unwarranted attacks and killing of innocent locals in Avwon, Agadama and Ohoror communities of Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area and the wickedness of suspected criminal herdsmen alleged to be aided and abetted by unidentified military personnel are mindless.

“I, however, appeal to the affected communities to remain calm and peaceful. I commiserate with the communities and families on the unfortunate loss of their loved ones.

“I have directed the commissioner of police and the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, to rise to the occasion and bring the culprits to justice.

“As a state, our people have been very receptive to herdsmen and other visitors, but our hospitality and welcoming disposition should not be taken as an act of cowardice.

“The state government will continue to encourage peaceful and harmonious relations between Deltans and their visitors, but will not watch outsiders attack and kill our people any longer” the statement said.

According to local sources, the attackers accompanied by their military accomplice started the attacks on Thursday through Saturday killing and destroying farmlands. About four villagers were reportedly burnt beyond recognition.

The affected communities are Avwon, Agadama and Ohoror.