Human rights crusader, Femi Falana, expressed vehement condemnation on Monday over the brutal killing of 16 military personnel during a rescue mission in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) notably criticized the alleged retaliatory action by the military, which resulted in the reported burning of the village, branding it as a form of collective punishment.
Falana, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program, extended his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers. However, he emphasized that such acts of reprisal could have been avoided, drawing attention to Nigeria’s history with similar incidents in places like Zaki Biam and Gbaramatu.
“On the night of the 16th (of January), angry soldiers stormed Okuama village and set it on fire. For me, it is unavoidable,” Falana said. “You can’t blame soldiers alone because there is a general notion in the society because of loss in the judicial system, everybody embrace mob justice.”
“Even the statement of the President yesterday (Sunday). We are in a democratic system of government. The President cannot order military authorities to fish out civilians involved ina heinous crime. That is the duty of the police,” the senior lawyer stated.
The tragic incident unfolded following a communal clash between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, prompting the military’s response to a distress call.
Tragically, the soldiers fell victim to the violence on Thursday, March 14, 2024, with their beheaded bodies discovered in a neighboring river, some with stomachs and hearts brutally mutilated.
In the wake of the gruesome attack, prominent figures including President Bola Tinubu, the Senate, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and civil society organizations have joined in condemning the barbaric act. Calls for the swift apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators have echoed across the nation.
However, tensions escalated over the weekend as enraged soldiers allegedly resorted to burning down the Okuama village in a display of fury. The displaced residents sought refuge in neighboring Ughelli as a result of the military’s purported retaliation.
Falana, in his address, criticized the notion of collective punishment, emphasizing its violation of international laws such as the Geneva Convention, to which Nigeria is a signatory. He stressed the importance of adhering to legal due process, advocating for the arrest and immediate arraignment of suspects by the police.
Highlighting the significance of upholding domestic laws and international conventions, Falana underscored the principle that innocent civilians should not bear the brunt of punitive measures. He cautioned against the erosion of democratic values and reiterated the imperative for justice to be pursued within the confines of the law.