LAGOS, March  16, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Sixteen Nigerian soldiers have been 
killed on a mission to halt clashes between two communities in the southern 
state of Delta, an army spokesman said on Saturday.

                   The troops deployed in the Bomadi region "were surrounded by some community 
youths and killed on Thursday, March 14," Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said in 
a statement.

                   "The reinforcement team... was also attacked leading to the death of the 
Commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers," said Gusau, 
acting director of defence information.

                   The soldiers had "responded to a distress call" following trouble between 
the Okuama and Okoloba communities.

                   "The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed 
the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime," 
the statement said.

                   "So far, a few arrests have been made while steps (are) in place to unravel 
the motive behind the attack."

                   According to local media reports, the two communities have clashed 
repeatedly over land ownership in recent weeks leaving several people dead.