Okuma: Monarch wanted on suspicion of killing soldier surrenders to police

Clement Ikoro, King of Ewu, one of the suspects wanted by the Nigerian military, has surrendered to the Nigerian police.

Ikoro was listed among eight suspects wanted by the Nigerian Armed Forces Defense Headquarters over the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers in Okuma community in Delta state.

Related article: Military announces professor and 7 others wanted for murder of soldier in Okukaihama town

State police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed that the king was in custody as of Thursday night.

Mr. Ikoro arrived at the state police command headquarters at around 6:41pm on Thursday and turned himself in.

Before turning himself in, the king chatted with journalists and maintained his innocence of killing the soldiers.

He said he expressed shock to see his name on the wanted list in connection with the killing.

“I have no involvement in the murder. This is a grave crime against humanity and goes against my faith as a Catholic.”

“I have nothing to do with it. I took office on November 16, 2023, and it was very chaotic, and the government knows it.”

On Thursday, the National Defense Headquarters announced that eight people, including Ikoro, were wanted for their role in the recent killings of 17 military personnel.

Those wanted are Professor Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakurili, Akewulu Daniel Omotegbo (also known as Amagben), Akata Marawa David and Sinclair Oriki. Traditional ruler, Clement Ikoro Ogenerkeiwe. Reuben Bal and Igori Shrimp.

Meanwhile, the 17 soldiers were buried at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday, March 27.

The burial ceremony was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, military chiefs and other dignitaries.

Tinubu said the federal government would provide housing to the families of fallen heroes wherever they were in the country.

Related article: Tinubu gives home and scholarship to families of soldiers killed in Okuama

The President spoke of the slain soldiers as patriots, brave and noble people who gave their lives to protect and defend our country from internal and external threats.

He promised that their sacrifices would be remembered and honored for generations to come.

He also gave full educational scholarships to the college level to children of soldiers and even unborn children.

Source: guardian.ng