It is now emerging that youths in oil-rich state of Southern Delta in Nigeria killed 16 soldiers in a peacekeeping mission on Thursday, March 14.

Army spokesperson, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, on Saturday, March 17 said that the youths surrounded the soldiers, who were part of the 181 Amphibious Battalion responding to the conflict in Okuoma and Okoloba communities, and killed them.

“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers,” Gusau said.

The motive of the deadly attack is yet to be established, but a few suspects have been arrested.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime,” he added.

The two communities, reports indicate, have been at loggerheads over ownership of land. Several people have been killed as a result of the conflict.