Traditional rulers in Delta State have vowed to aid security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators responsible for the killing of military officers in Okuama community.

The monarchs described the killings as unprovoked and barbaric, which led to the deaths of the officers on rescue missions.

Rising from a meeting of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers in Asaba, the monarchs, in a five-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, condemned the killings.

Council Chairman and Orodje of Okpe, Major-General Felix Mujakpuero (retd), Orhue I, while commiserating with the immediate families of the slain officers, the Nigerian Army and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, prayed that God grant their souls eternal rest.

The Delta monarchs called on the Delta State government to set up an independent investigative panel of inquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote cause of the communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

The royal fathers also appealed to the Nigerian Army to carry out their search for the perpetrators of the killing of the gallant officers in line with global best practices.

They called on members of the public to stop peddling falsehoods and unsubstantiated claims, as such action could further exacerbate the already fragile peace in the state.

The meeting was attended by the immediate past chairman of the council and Obi of Owa, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor II; the first vice chairman and Pere of Akugbene Mien, SP Luke Kalanama VIII; and the second vice chairman and Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Agbogodi Henry Kikachukwu I, among others.