Army Releases Delta Monarch Cleared of Allegations in Soldier Killings

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Army has released a traditional ruler, Chief Clement Ikolo, following investigations that absolved him of involvement in the tragic killing of 17 soldiers in the Okuama community of Delta State on March 14, 2024.

Chief Ikolo, along with seven others, was initially declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters amidst allegations of complicity in the massacre.

However, he vehemently denied any connection to the incident and voluntarily surrendered to the police, who subsequently handed him over to the army for further investigation.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the spokesman for the army, announced Chief Ikolo’s release during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The decision to release him was made after thorough investigations cleared him of any involvement in the tragic event.

It was revealed that Senator Ede Dafianone stood as surety for Chief Ikolo, underscoring the community’s support for the traditional ruler throughout the ordeal.

The incident, which occurred on March 14, 2024, in the Okuama community, sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting swift and decisive action from the military to bring the perpetrators to justice.