The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has threatened to deal with any traditional ruler who shields suspects involved in the killing of 17 soldiers in the Okuama community, Ughelli South local government area of the state.
The governor warned when he addressed traditional rulers on the unfortunate incident in Asaba.
Oborevwori, who said the act was alien to the state, described it as barbaric, inhumane, and unacceptable, vowing that those who committed the evil must be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He said no kingdom should shield the perpetrators of the dastardly act, adding that Delta is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency.
“Those who committed that evil act must face the wrath of the law. No kingdom should shield those criminals because the tenets of the law and human decency govern Delta state.
“I have briefed you and made sure that you fish them out from your kingdoms. If any traditional ruler shields a criminal, that traditional ruler is inviting trouble.
“We cannot tolerate that. It has never happened in this state; to kill a Lt. Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers. We need to fish out those involved.
“Do not hide or shield anybody. The Chief of Army Staff and Mr. President have assured me that innocent people will not be victimised, unless you connive with the killers of the soldiers.
“We did not bargain for this evil act but for peace, I don’t want a crisis. I have also received information that two other villages are boiling to fight, they should not fight, we want peace in all our communities” the Governor warned.
“So please my dear royal fathers let us be on the same page to fish out these people. Don’t allow anybody who committed this evil act to come to your kingdom and bring problems to your community.
“Tell us and we will hand them over to security agencies. You should not play politics with this. Don’t say that the Army has taken over your village because they cannot just come to your village without getting information. But I assure you people that no innocent person will be victimised” the Governor stated.
Responding, Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, (retd), said they were on the same page with the Governor to ensure peace and security in the state.
