The Defence Headquarters has declared eight persons wanted in connection with the gruesome murder of 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on March 14 in Okuama community in Delta.

The wanted persons include seven men and one woman.

They were identified as Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (Amagbem); Prof. Ekpokpo Arthur; Andaowei Denis Bakriri; Igoli Ebi; Akata Malawa David; Sinclair Okili; Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe and Reuben Baru.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing journalists on the operations of the armed forces across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Buba said the military would not allow the incident that led to the killing of 17 soldiers buried on Wednesday to recur.

He urged members of the public to cooperate with the military and other security agencies with useful information to help apprehend the suspects.

According to him, the armed forces is a force for stability that employs both kinetic and non knowledge kinetic measures to achieve the desired end state.

“Prior to the ugly incident, the military had constructed several civic projects in Delta State as a sign of goodwill. For instance, the construction of Multipurpose Hall and Borehole Projects in Patani Local Government Area and Medical Outreach at Aladja Community in the Udu Local Government Area all in Delta, among several others.

“Nevertheless, troops would continue with their efforts until the culprits are found, arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law. Citizens are our first line of intelligence and must rise to the occasion,” he said.

The 17 soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers were murdered by community youths while on a peace mission to Okuama community.

The slain soldiers were buried on Wednesday at the National Cemetery Abuja amidst tears and agony.

President Bola Tinubu led other top government functionaries and governors as well as service chiefs to pay last respects to the fallen heroes.

(NAN)