The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has extended its condolences to the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Army for the loss of personnel in the Delta killings.
Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, the Chairman of the Forum, conveyed this message in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday.
It is recalled that a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, 12 soldiers, and a civilian lost their lives on Thursday, March 14, during an ambush at Okuoma Community in Ugheli South Local Government Area of Delta while responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities.
In his condolence message, Yar’adua expressed the deepest sympathies of the group. The lawmaker, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Army, stated, “On behalf of northern senators, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and officers and troops of Operation Delta Safe, for the tragic loss of personnel who were killed during a peace mission to Okuama Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta.”
He emphasized that the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers on behalf of Nigeria would not be in vain. Yar’adua added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the families of the fallen heroes, and the entire armed forces as we honor the sacrifice and service of our brave personnel.”
It was reported by NAN that President Bola Tinubu has directed the military high command to track down those responsible for killing military officers and men in Delta. Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday evening, asserted that any attack on members of Nigeria’s armed forces constitutes a direct assault on the nation.