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President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the killing of Troops of the Commander and Troops of the181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army who were on a peace keeping mission in Okuoma Community In Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State by yet unidentified persons.
The President who personally signed the Statement said the unprovoked killing of the officers is a sad occurrence.
He extended his condolences to the Nigerian Army, Colleagues, Families and all Nigerians in general.
The President described the members of the armed Forces as a National symbol who are at the heart of everything Nigeria adding that an attack on them is a direct attack on Nigeria as a nation.
He disclosed that members of the Military high command are already responding to the incident adding that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
He also granted full Presidential authority to the Chief of Defence Staff to bring the perpetrators of the gruesome killing to justice.
He said the Federal Government will continue to work towards ensuring that all parts of the country live in peace and tranquility.
Read Full Statement Below…
STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF NIGERIAN SOLDIERS ON A PEACE MISSION TO OKUOMA COMMUNITY 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.
The incident occurred on Thursday 14 March, 2024 when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.
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.
This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute 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.
My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
17th March, 2024