27th March, 2024
President Bola Tinubu has again expressed sadness over the March 14 killing of members of the Nigerian Army in Okuama, Delta State.
The President described the 17 officers and soldiers killed in the dastardly incident as patriotic, brave and gallant Nigerians.
He said that the deceased gave their lives to defend and protect the Nation against internal and external threats.
Tinubu said this at the burial ceremony of the officers and soldiers on Wednesday in Abuja, adding that their deaths serve as a rallying point for Nigerians to condemn crime and criminality.
“They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers, seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.
“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.
“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,” the President said.
Personnel killed in the unfortunate incident included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, and Lance Corporal Bello Anas.
Others were Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter and Private Ibrahim Adamu.
Tinubu said that the deceased have all been awarded posthumous national honours.