The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has started three day national mourning for the 17 soldiers killed by irate youths at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.
Among the 17 killed are the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion Oleh (Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali), the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander in Bomadi (Major Gembu Shafa), another unidentified Major and Captain.
Towards this, flags are being flown at half-mast in all military locations nationwide.
A source confirmed that already, a signal to that effect has been issued to all the three Services – the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
According to our source, “a directive has been issued by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa to the three Services to that effect. From today Monday March 18, 2024 and up till March 20, 2024, all colours, what you call flags are to fly at half-mast in honour of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) personnel Killed In Action (KIA).”
Explanatory: If a flag is flying at half-mast, it is flying from part of the way down the pole, not from the top, to show respect and sorrow for someone who has just died.