President Bola Tinubu fulfilled his promise to pay tribute to the 17 military personnel who lost their lives in Okuama community, Delta State, on Wednesday.
He hailed the fallen officers as courageous, honorable, and patriotic individuals, emphasizing their everlasting remembrance as heroes who bravely responded to duty’s call, ultimately sacrificing their lives.
Those posthumously honored by the Federal Government included 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. Additionally, 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 were recognized.
The four officers received the national honor of Member of the Order of Niger (MON), while the remaining 13 were awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal. Apart from the awards, Tinubu announced housing gifts and scholarships for the families of the deceased soldiers.
The tragic incident occurred when the troops, led by Lt. Colonel A.H. Ali, Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were ambushed and killed by enraged youths during a peace mission to Okuama in response to a distress call amid a communal crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
During the burial, Tinubu paid tribute to Ali, acknowledging his significant operational achievements, and praised the bravery of all the fallen soldiers, stating that they had become part of the honored list of servicemen and women who defended the nation selflessly.
Expressing condolences to the families and the entire Armed Forces, Tinubu emphasized the gratitude owed to the soldiers and their families, recognizing their valor and unwavering commitment to ensuring the country’s safety from various threats.
He reassured that justice would be served to those responsible for the heinous crime and called upon the community leaders and traditional rulers to collaborate with the military in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Tinubu also commended the Armed Forces for their restraint in refraining from reprisal attacks and urged unity and peace-building efforts within communities, emphasizing the importance of collective action in ending violence.
In conclusion, he praised the Nigerian Military’s exemplary role in safeguarding democracy within the country and across the continent, highlighting their commitment to peace and stability.