The Nigerian Army has announced that the soldiers killed in the Okuama community in Delta State will be laid to rest today at the National Cemetery in Abuja. The information was shared in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s official platform on Tuesday, confirming that the burial ceremony is scheduled for 3 pm. President Bola Tinubu is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the event. According to The HEADLINENEWS, a total of 17 military personnel lost their lives during a communal clash sparked by a land dispute between Bomadi and Okuoma communities in the state.
Reportedly, the soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call. Following the tragic incident, rumors circulated about possible military retaliation against the communities involved. However, the Defense headquarters refuted these claims, emphasizing that propaganda would not prevent the perpetrators from being apprehended.
In response to the killings, the Defense Headquarters released the names of the fallen Army personnel who were on a peacekeeping mission in Okuama. Both Tinubu and the Senate instructed the military to apprehend the culprits responsible for the deaths of the soldiers. Subsequently, the military launched an operation to arrest numerous individuals, including three key suspects.
Retired army generals and civil society organizations condemned the attack on the soldiers and called for swift prosecution of the offenders to deter similar criminal acts in the future. During the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja, the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), urged for a thorough examination and dialogue on the circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ deaths.
Irabor stressed the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable and preventing such atrocities from recurring. He highlighted the need for clear guidelines on military assistance to civil authorities and cautioned against compromising the military’s integrity.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, acknowledged the evolving security challenges in the country and emphasized the interconnected nature of global security issues. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the significance of building strong relationships with border communities to enhance border security efforts.
In conclusion, the military leadership called for maintaining high professional standards and strategic discussions to address the changing security landscape effectively.
