Following the gruesome murder of sixteen men of the Nigerian Army, including a Lt. Col. AH Ali, Major Share, Major Obi and Captain Zakari, ambushed by those identified as Okuama community youths, in Bomadi council area of Delta State, on Thursday, March 14, President Bola Tinubu has vowed that the killers of the officers would not go unpunished.
It would be recalled that the officers had stormed the area to secure the release of an abducted youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, an indigene of neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, who was abducted over the lingering land dispute between the two communities.
However, a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives in the gun duel that ensued during the rescue where one civilian was also killed.
While reacting to the sad incident in a statement personally signed and issued on Sunday, March 17, President Tinubu, revealed that the gruesome attack and murder of the officers was a direct affront on the nation and that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
That statement noted in parts, ‘’On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.
As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.
I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished”.
Tinubu who emphasized that the incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by servicemen and women in the line of duty also expressed satisfaction with the heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism of officers and men of the Nigerian Military.
While urging citizens to constantly remember and honor all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep the nation safe, strong, and united, president Tinubu stated that the officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.
“Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act. The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.
My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquility in every part of Nigeria. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe.” The statement added.
