Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has described the 17 officers and soldiers murdered by criminals in Okuama, Delta State, as patriotic and brave Nigerians.
While speaking at the burial ceremony of the military personnel in Abuja, Tinubu said the deceased gave their lives to defend Nigeria against internal and external threats.
He said: “They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers, seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.
“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.
“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats.”
The 17 military personnel killed on March 14 are Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, and Lance Corporal Bello Anas.
Other are Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.
Tinubu made it known that the deceased have all been awarded posthumous national honours.
He said: “The four gallant officers have been awarded Member of the Order of Niger (MON) and the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) Medals.
“As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognize your valour and bravery.
“I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.
“Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.
“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.
“The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also must help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men,” the president stated.
He praised the armed forces for not carrying out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities and added that the government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.
He added that all the children of the deceased would enjoy the Federal Government’s scholarships up to the university level and directed the military to ensure that all the benefits of the slain personnel are paid to their families within 90 days.
