The recent killing of military personnel in Delta State has been described as disheartening by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
He observed that it was unfortunate that those who they had sworn to protect were responsible for their deaths.
He stated that the personnel were on a lawful duty when they were killed.
Lagbaja made the remarks at the burial ceremony for the slain personnel in Abuja on Wednesday.
He also mentioned that the actions of the culprits had left 21 children orphaned and 10 women widowed.
However, Lagbaja appealed to the community to help catch those responsible for the terrible crime.
Lagbaja expressed, “The Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian Army and, by extension, the Nigeria state – 10 widows (three of whom are 4, 5, and 8 months pregnant), 21 orphans, and many other dependents including parents. While sympathizing with the families of these brave soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian Army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold. We shall do all within our power to provide support to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones.”
He stated that the Army will not be discouraged by the incidents and vowed to bring the culprits to justice.
He said, “I assure Mr. President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be discouraged by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community. As tasked by Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to justice and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, toward swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations.”
