President Bola Tinubu has stated that those responsible for killing Nigerian Army personnel on a peace mission in Delta State will face punishment.
Around 16 Nigerian soldiers were killed while trying to calm tensions between two communities in Delta, a state in the South-South region of the country.
According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were deployed to the Bomadi region on a peace-keeping mission in Okuoma community when they were killed on Thursday, March 14.
Soldiers of the Joint Task Force, under the supervision of General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, reportedly recovered the bodies of 15 soldiers.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu stated, "The cowardly individuals responsible for this terrible crime will not escape punishment," in a statement he personally signed on Sunday.
"The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been given full authority to prosecute anyone found responsible for this unacceptable crime against the Nigerian people," he added.
"As the Commander-in-Chief, I grieve alongside all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces over the unnecessary death of our brave soldiers," he confirmed.
He also offered "sincere condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues and their loved ones."
The President highlighted that the Delta killings underscore the risks faced by Nigerian service members in the line of duty.
He emphasized that as a nation, Nigerians must always remember and honor all those who have sacrificed their lives to ensure the safety, strength, and unity of the country.
Tinubu remarked that the officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the ranks of those who gave their all honorably in service of their homeland.
He observed, "Members of our armed forces are at the heart and the core of our nationhood."
Hence, "Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act."
"I commend their heroism, courage, and exceptional determination and patriotism.
"My government will continue to strive for peace and tranquility in every part of Nigeria."
"May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe," he concluded.
