The Military Board of Inquiry constituted by the Defence Headquarters to investigate the 17 soldiers killed in Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta, has commenced sitting.
The panel convened on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
The meeting, which was scheduled for 2.00 p.m., however, started at about 3.45 p.m. with six stakeholders from the Okoloba Community, Bomadi Local Government Area, in attendance.
“We are here on a fact-finding mission and not to apportion blame. We are here to gather facts from security agencies, community leaders, and community dwellers.
“This report will also help to ensure healthy communication that will enhance civil-military relations and ensure that economic activities thrive again in the affected communities,” he said.
Mr Ajayi, however, called on the governor to assist the board in its assignment to ensure that relevant stakeholders were invited to give accounts of what led to the crisis.
The board is expected to be in Bayelsa on Friday in continuation of its assignment.
(NAN)