President Bola Tinubu is adamant that the perpetrators of the killing of 17 Nigerian Army officers and men in Delta State on March 14, 2024, should be apprehended, as the families called for fair treatment during the interment of the deceased military personnel at the National Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.
During his speech at the gathering, Tinubu stated that leaders in Delta State need to uncover the individuals who ambushed and killed the soldiers while they were on a peace mission in the Okuama community in Delta State.
Meanwhile, the President pledged that the culprits will face consequences, as he bestowed posthumous national honors on the fallen officers.
The late soldiers were recognized in three different categories, including Member of the Order of Niger, Federal Republic Medal I, and Federal Republic Medal II.
The Federal Government provided housing for the families of the deceased soldiers, and their children were awarded scholarships. Additionally, the President instructed the military to issue the benefits of the fallen soldiers to their families within 90 days.
In addition, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed that the loss of military personnel in Delta was extremely disheartening, while the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, vowed to pursue the killers.
Tinubu, who personally attended the funeral service, announced the provision of housing facilities for the surviving family members and scholarships for all their children up to university level. He also directed that death benefits be paid to the family members within 90 days.
The conferment of national honors on Wednesday occurred a week after Tinubu made the promise during the Ramadan fast-breaking with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the House leadership at the Presidential Villa on March 20.
During that time, Tinubu stated, “We recognize all our men and women in uniform and sympathize with them. I will soon make further statements, but they must have a fitting burial and national honors.”
On March 14, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, and three other officers and 13 soldiers were killed in the Okuama Community during a peacekeeping mission to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community, Delta State.
Soldiers of the Joint Task Force reportedly recovered their bodies under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam.
During the interment at the National Cemetery on Wednesday, Tinubu remarked, “They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.
They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns, or other weapons. They were on a mission of peace. Ali remained committed to his military duty until the end.
On behalf of a grateful nation, we honor the sacrifice of Ali and the other brave patriots who perished that day.”
He acknowledged that the fallen soldiers will always be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Therefore, the Commander-in-Chief bestowed the posthumous national honor of Member of the Order of the Niger on the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Ali; Major Salihu Shafa; Major Daniel Obi and Captain Usman Zakari,” Tinubu declared.
He also gave the honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger to Sgt Yahaya Saidu; Corporal Yahaya Danbaba; Corporal Kabiru Bashir; Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna; Lance Corporal Sola Opeyemi; Lance Corporal Bello Anas; Lance Corporal Hamman Peter; Lance Corporal Ibrahim Abdullahi; Private Alhaji Isah; Private Clement Francis; Private Abubakar Ali; Private Ibrahim Adamu and Private Adamu Ibrahim.
When giving the honors, he said, “Each man now belongs to the respected group of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians, despite the risk to their own lives.
“They have all been given posthumous national honors. The four brave Officers have been given the Award of Member of the Order of Niger, MON.
“The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.”
Tinubu also revealed the government’s plans for the surviving relatives, saying, “The Federal Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.
“The federal government has also approved scholarships for all the children of the deceased up to the university level. The military must, within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.”
The President repeated his commitment to obtain justice for the slain soldiers, affirming that ‘those who committed this atrocious crime will not go unpunished. We will find them, and our departed heroes will get justice.’
He noted that the elders and chiefs of Okuoma also had a duty to help the military in finding the gunmen who committed ‘the barbaric crime against our men.’
Furthermore, Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for showing restraint in not retaliating against Okuoma or its neighboring communities.
He appealed, “We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.”
To the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Tinubu said, “Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. There is no higher honor than the vocation you have chosen to pursue.
“We value you. We value your hard work. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.
“Within our continent, our sub-region and across the world, the Nigerian Military has remained a force for good, embodying a great example and keeping our democracy safe. It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes.”
Tinubu said as Commander-in-Chief, he does not take for granted the contributions of members of the Armed Forces.
“I acknowledge your courage and bravery. I honor your unwavering commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists,” he said.
He said while the nation continued to grieve for the brave men it lost weeks ago, Nigeria must not forget the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony and ending the cycle of violence and bloodshed in the communities.
Soldiers killing demoralising
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed that the death of military personnel in Delta was extremely disheartening. He added that it was unfortunate that those responsible for their deaths were the ones they had sworn to protect.
He mentioned that the personnel were carrying out a lawful duty when they died.
Lagbaja also made remarks at the burial ceremony for the slain personnel in Abuja.
He mentioned, “Our work deals with life and death matters. When soldiers die at the hands of the state's enemies, we see it as dying for a cause the nation believes in; we honor them as brave heroes.
However, when they are cruelly killed by the very people they are trained to protect, it is extremely demoralising.
He said, “It is not news that 17 of the Nigerian Army’s finest men, who we are here to bury, were murdered in a reprehensible manner on March 14, 2024, in the Okuama community of Delta State while they were on a legitimate peacekeeping mission.
He expressed, “It saddens me that it took over 72 hours for us to recover some important organs of the decapitated and disembowelled bodies of my men that were scattered all over the Okuama community by the community youths and their friends.
He said, “I view it as the most savage act any citizen or community can commit against the authority of the state, and I must mention that a lot of restraint has been shown so far in our search and recovery efforts for missing arms, ammunition, other equipment, and body parts.”
He also mentioned that the actions of the culprits had orphaned 21 children and widowed 10 people.
Lagbaja said, “The Okuama incident has added to the burden of the Nigerian Army and, by extension, the Nigerian state – 10 widows (three of whom are four, five, and eight months pregnant), 21 orphans, and many other dependents including parents.
“While sympathizing with the families of these brave soldiers, I reassure them that the Nigerian Army and the people of this country will not abandon them. We will do everything in our power to support them and honor the memories of their departed loved ones.”
He stated that the incidents would not discourage the Army and promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Lagbaja, however, appealed to the community to help in capturing the culprits of the terrible crime.
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 what occurred in the Okuama community.
“As directed 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 dedicated to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to justice and recovering all 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, to promptly and successfully carry out our search and recovery operations.
‘We’ll pursue murderers’
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, promised to pursue those responsible for the deaths of military personnel in Delta.
Musa pledged that the people who committed the terrible crime would be brought to justice.
Musa stated, “To the individuals who commit violence in order to create division and fear among our people, understand this: our determination will not weaken. We will track you down, ensure justice is served, and restore peace and security to every part of our nation.”
He acknowledged that although the deaths had caused them sorrow, the perpetrators would face consequences for the soldiers' deaths.
Musa said, “Your malicious actions may cause pain and suffering, but they will never extinguish the spirit of togetherness and strength that resides within us. You will definitely face the consequences.”
However, he assured the deceased soldiers that the military would work to ensure peace prevails in Nigeria as a tribute to their sacrifices.
Musa said, “Finally, let us once again honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our nation.
“May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find solace in knowing that their loved ones are heroes, always remembered and cherished.
“As we bid them farewell, let us commit to continuing their legacy, and strive for a Nigeria that is peaceful, prosperous, and secure.”
Families request justice
Ahmed Abutu, brother of the late Lance Corporal Abdul Ibrahim, expressed sorrow over his brother's death and demanded justice from the government for the deceased soldiers.
He mentioned that Ibrahim was the main provider for the family and his death came as a shock to them.
Abutu mentioned, “It is a very sorrowful time for us. We have lost the family provider. He was a man of peace and a devout Muslim. He was someone who wouldn't do something without permission. He showed respect to everyone in the family. He was caring and made sure we were well taken care of when he was alive. This is a huge loss for the family.
“His death was unexpected. We received the news with great shock. He was not troublesome and wouldn't be found where he shouldn't be. So when the news came, it was very sad. His death brings great pain to the family. “
However, he urged the military to persist until the perpetrators of the terrible crime are brought to justice.
Abutu remarked, “For the perpetrators, a criminal does not belong in society. Wherever they may be, they should be found. Why did you take their lives? What did you gain? Our security agencies should tirelessly work day and night to ensure these people are brought to justice. We would greatly appreciate this.”
In the same vein, a retired Warrant Officer, Zakari Aliu, who is the father of the late Captain U. Zakari, expressed regret that his deceased son, who was married, was expecting a baby before being brutally killed by the attackers.
“He is married with no child yet. He was expecting one before his death. His wife is pregnant,” he said.
When asked what he would like the government to do to the perpetrators of this despicable act, he expressed confidence that the Federal Government was handling the situation and would ensure justice is served.
Zakari said, "I trust the Federal Government to handle them. They are already dealing with it."
