The president and commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the military high commend a matching order to fish out the killers of 16 military personnel in Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area of Delta state.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, claimed the lives of a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers. One civilian was reportedly killed by the assailants.
In a statement personally signed by him, the president described the attack and killing of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army as “dreadful”, “unprovoked” and “cowardly”, adding that the Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Defence staff has his “full authority” to bring to justice those who are responsible for “this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people”.
The full statement reads, “On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.
As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.
I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.
This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.
As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.
Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.
The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.
My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe.
