Christian Youths Condemn Okuama Tragedy, Cautions Against Highhanded Responses

The Nigeria Army’s recent loss of officers and fifteen soldiers in an attack in Delta State is a tragedy that Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) deeply condemns.

This is contained in a release signed by the Chairman Northern Christian Youth Professionals, Isaac Abrak and made available to Daily Mail.

The group called for investigation into the dastardly act and eventual prosecution of the perpetrators.

The release read in parts:

“Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers, and we stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Army during this time of mourning.

“We call for the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act. Justice must be served to honor the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women.

“We urge the Nigerian Army to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, ensuring that justice is pursued professionally and without harming innocent civilians. History has shown that heavy-handed responses can exacerbate tensions and hinder military and public cooperation.

“Regretable similar cases during the hay days Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, created a bad relationship between the army and the members of the public, because people who were victims of the highhanded nature of investigations of the killing of soldiers, grew dissentient for the troops fighting insurgency then.

“The result of that only helped fuel the growth of the insurgents because the public was no longer forthcoming with the pieces of information that could have helped surmount the spread of the group, some of the youths who were victims of this highhandedness even joined Boko Haram in search for revenge.

“Maintaining a positive relationship between the military and civilians is crucial in the fight against terrorism. We encourage all community members, including traditional leaders, to cooperate fully with the army and provide any necessary information to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Additionally, we call on President Bola Tinubu and state governors to prioritize the revitalization of the Forest Guard.

“Because most of the violent group troubling our country such as Boko Haram, Islamic State in West African Province, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) Fulani Bandits, and Oil Militants are all hiding in our forest.

“As such a well-groomed Forest Giard made of local forest community people will help the military to tackle the activities of these groups.”