Victor EzejaPresident, Bola Tinubu says killers of Nigerian soldiers in Delta communities will not go unpunished.
He said the Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody responsible for the act.
In a statement he personally signed and released on Sunday, President Tinubu described it as an “unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.”
According to reports, the incident which occurred on Thursday, 14 March 2024 claimed the lives of a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and twelve soldiers. They were said to have been ambushed by the killers.
The Military officers were said to be responding to a distress call over a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
“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 to Okuoma Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State,” Tinubu stated, expressing his profound grief over the death of the gallant the soldiers.
“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.”
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He noted that the incident had once again, demonstrated the dangers faced by the servicemen and women in the line of duty and hailed them for their “heroism, courage and uncommon grit and patriotism.”
“As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our country safe, strong and united. 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 the 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.”
He added that his government will not relent until peace and stability are achieved in every part of the country.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
