The Forum of Delta State NGOs says it is saddened with the ugly event that led to the death of some soldiers and people of Delta in Okuoma community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State.
The Founding Coordinator, Forum of Delta Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), Mr Okezi Odugala stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Asaba.
NAN reports that the youths of the community killed the battalion's Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain and 12 soldiers who were on a peace mission to the community.
''We commiserate with the army for losing their gallant soldiers as well as families that lost their dear ones,'' he said.
The forum called for thorough investigation by a constituted panel of local and international stakeholders to unravel the cause and proffer permanent solution to this endless communal rivalry.
According to him, the killings which was said to have emanated from a land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities who have been living peacefully since immemorial was allegedly orchestrated by some fifth columnist who profit from crisis.
''We want to call for stoppage in the ongoing alledged reprisal killings and destruction of properties by parties in the conflict inorder not to highten the present tension and hostility,'' it added.
The forum also call on the security authorities to go after the culprits who have caused the mayhem in a constitutional means following local and international human rights protocols with respect for the sanctity of human lives.
''We call on those enemies of Delta State who reside with their families outside the state, who want to promote conflicts in the state as a means of distracting the government, by creating negative image for the State to drive foreign investors from investing and stopping the massive human and infrastructural development agenda by the present administration to stop immediately.
''Enough is enough! We must learn from the negative impacts of the Warri crisis and partner the present administration to take the state from the woods urgently.
''We want to advise that the present burning of the Okuama community by the army should stop forwith as innocent citizens mostly elderly and vulnerable persons, responsible youths,women and children are already suffering from the crisis.
''We also call on the United Nations and international human rights organization to join us in stopping the present destruction of lives and properties in the crisis environment, '' he said. NAN
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