People of Olota community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have decried Nigerian Army invasion of their community.
It was gathered that the soldiers, in a search operation over the killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama storm Olota community in search for arms and suspects on Thursday.
Olota, an Urhobo community is said to be 50km away from the Okuama community where irate youths murdered 17 military personnel on March 14.
In the ongoing search for suspects involved in the killing of 17 soldiers and alleged snatching of military arms in Okuama, neighbouring Olota had suffered invasion by soldiers, who allegedly left one Joseph Willie dead.
In the latest development, soldiers were said to have invaded Olota again, burning two houses and destroying another, before taking away the community Chairman, Matthew Olokpa, and no fewer than nine others..
The President-General of Olota, Prosper Evuarherhe, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report, but a resident who witnessed the incident said, “As of this moment, soldiers have invaded Olota again.
“Soldiers reentered Olota in three gunboats this (Thursday) morning. They have held the Chairman, Matthew Olokpa; Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua, and others.
“Gunshots roared in Olota. We ask those in authority to intervene and tell the soldiers to leave Olota in peace. They have left with those apprehended, no fewer than 10 persons. They burnt two houses and destroyed one.
“They also left with some boats belonging to residents. The community chairman was beaten to a stupor before they moved him with the others, along with a 75-engine boat belonging to Kenneth. This latest crisis may not be connected with Okuama.”
However, according to a post by the Nigerian Army on its X handle on Thursday night, the service said an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition was uncovered at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community.
The Army said the armoury was concealed in the residence of one Mr. Kenneth.
The post read, “In a successful operation to eradicate illegal weapons in the South-South region, Nigerian Army troops have uncovered an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community and adjoining communities of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
“Responding to actionable intelligence, the troops raided the identified armoury concealed in the residence of one Mr Kenneth, a notorious gun runner in the said community.
“A search of the armoury yielded one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special. The operation further extended to other adjoining locations within the community, resulting in the discovery of four G3 rifles and magazines, one Pump Action Semi Automatic Gun, three Sub-Machine Guns and magazines, as well as 476 live cartridges.
“Additionally, the troops recovered five locally fabricated guns, a large plastic bag containing a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa and two speed boats with 75 horsepower outboard engines The troops also apprehended three suspects during the operation.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sanitising and mopping up illicit munitions in possession of criminal elements in the region, as it works tirelessly to maintain peace and security for all law-abiding citizens.”