...Describes Soldiers As Patriots, Brave, Noble Men
…Directs Payment of All Entitlements
…Tasks Military Not to Be Deterred By Negative Occurrence
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday made good his pledge to honour all 17 military personnel killed in Okouma Community, while on a peace mission in Delta State.
He described the fallen officers as brave, noble and patriotic men, adding that they will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.
Among the fallen officers who got the posthumous honours from the Federal Government includes Lieutenant Colonel Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa, Captain U. Zakari,
Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya and Corporal Kabir Bashir.
Others are Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna,
Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, Lance Corporal Bello Anas; Private Alhaji Isah,
Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim,
Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.
The four gallant officers were awarded Member of the Order of Niger (MON).
While thirteen others were awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.
The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on peace mission to Okuoma Community, met their untimely death as they were surrounded and killed by some irate youths in the community.
The incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.
Tinubu while paying tributes to the departed soldiers said it is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.
He said the officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats.
According to Tinubu, their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come and their.
Recall that on the fateful day, precisely on 14 March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.
They were reported to have gone there as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.
Tinubu said they didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons but simply on a mission of peace.
The President recalled a brief conversation he had with the Chief of Army Staff, “Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.
“Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end. On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day.
“Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.
“I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy. It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families.
“As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.
“While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities.
“We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance and harmony will reign. Leaders at all levels especially community leaders and traditional rulers must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must endthe cycle of violence and bloodletting.
“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.
“The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.
“I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them”.
Speaking directly to the entire Armed forces, he said, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.
He said 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.
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 to all the children of the deceased up to the University level.
“The Military must, within the next ninety days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.
“May the families of the departed and all their loved ones find the strength to bear the pain of this loss. May God grant our heroes eternal rest.
“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep our troops safe, always,” the President stated in a sober voice.
