President Bola Tinubu Urges Arrest of Killers as Families Pursue Justice
Abuja, March 28, 2024 – President Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators behind the tragic killing of 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Delta State. The demand for justice echoed through the solemn burial ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Abuja yesterday, where grieving families paid their last respects to the fallen military personnel.
During his address at the event, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the ambush that claimed the lives of the soldiers while they were on a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community. He urged leaders in Delta State to cooperate fully in identifying and apprehending the culprits.
In a poignant display of the nation’s gratitude, the President posthumously bestowed national honors upon the deceased soldiers. The late servicemen were recognized across three categories: Member of the Order of Niger, Federal Republic Medal I, and Federal Republic Medal II.
Expressing the government’s commitment to supporting the bereaved families, President Tinubu announced that the Federal Government would provide housing for the surviving relatives and scholarships for their children up to university level. He further directed the military to expedite the payment of death benefits to the families within 90 days.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the military personnel. He described their deaths as highly demoralizing, emphasizing that they were tragically killed by those they had sworn to protect. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja pledged that the Nigerian Army, together with other security agencies, would spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
President Tinubu’s presence at the burial ceremony underscored his unwavering commitment to honoring the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers. The national honors conferred upon them served as a testament to their dedication and bravery in the face of danger.
The President called upon the elders and chiefs of Okuama to assist the military in identifying and apprehending the gunmen responsible for the heinous crime. He stressed the importance of ensuring that innocent members of the community were not unjustly punished for the actions of a few.
In closing, President Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation for the courageous men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and assured them of the government’s support in protecting the families of their fallen comrades.
While the nation mourns the loss of these valiant soldiers, President Tinubu emphasized the need to sustain efforts towards peace and harmony, striving to end the cycle of violence and bloodshed in communities across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff echoed these sentiments, assuring the families of the fallen soldiers that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian people, would provide the necessary support and solace during this difficult time. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja affirmed the Army’s resolve to bring the perpetrators of the Okuama tragedy to justice and offered his condolences to the families, emphasizing that their loved ones’ memories would forever be cherished.
As the nation seeks closure and justice, the memory of these brave soldiers will endure as a reminder of their unwavering dedication to duty and their ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
In addition to the previous information provided, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has expressed determination to hunt down the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to justice. He emphasized that the resolve of the Nigerian military would not waver in the face of such acts of violence aimed at sowing division and fear among the people. General Musa assured the nation that peace and security would be restored to every part of the country.
The families of the slain soldiers have also demanded justice for their loved ones. Ahmed Abutu, the brother of Lance Corporal Abdul Ibrahim, described the death of his brother as saddening and called for the government to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. He expressed the family’s deep grief and highlighted the significant loss they have suffered.
Zakari Aliu, the father of the late Captain U. Zakari, lamented that his son, who was married and expecting a child, was brutally murdered by the killers. He expressed hope that the Federal Government would ensure justice is served in this case.
The families of the fallen soldiers, like many Nigerians, are looking to the government and security agencies to swiftly and effectively apprehend the culprits responsible for the attack.
The collective demand for justice from the government, the military’s determination to bring the perpetrators to book, and the families’ plea for accountability reflect the strong desire for closure and the assurance that such acts of violence will not go unpunished.