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- Community Razed As Nigerian Army Recovers Bodies Of 14 Soldiers
The outcry that trailed the gruesome murder of 16 soldiers who were on a peacekeeping mission to Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has continued to reverberate across the country.
The Matrix reports that Nigerians woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of some military personnel during a rescue mission in the community on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
The troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion deployed in the Bomadi region, were responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, when they were ambushed and in the process, a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives.
The corpses of the murdered soldiers were in the early hours of Saturday recovered by soldiers of the joint task force under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam,
Some of the recovered corpses were said to have been beheaded, while the stomachs and hearts of others were ripped out.
Reacting to the killings, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, vowed that the killers of Nigerian Army personnel who were on a peace mission in Delta State will not go unpunished.
The President in a personally signed statement said he join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of the armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.
“The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.
“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
“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,” he affirmed.
He also extended “profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues and their loved ones.”
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According to President Tinubu, the Delta killings demonstrate the dangers faced by Nigerian servicemen and women in the line of duty.
He asserted that as a nation, Nigerians must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep the country safe, strong and united.
The officers and men who died in Okuama community, Tinubu said, have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of their 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.
“I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.
“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,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Senate has condemned the gruesome murder saying in a statement on Sunday that the culprits must be made to face the full consequences of their actions.
In the statement signed by the chairman, Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, the Senate noted that the sacrifices made by the Commanding Officer, three officers, and 12 soldiers during the distressing incident shall forever be remembered.
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“On behalf of the 10th Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army and officers and men of Operation Delta Safe on the tragic loss of our gallant personnel who were mercilessly killed by some youths during a peace mission to Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday 14th March 2024.
“The sacrifices made by the Commanding Officer, 3 officers, and 12 soldiers during this distressing incident shall forever be remembered. Their bravery and commitment exemplify the highest virtue of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice, and their legacy will forever inspire us all.
“I wish to commend the swift response of the Chief of Defense Staff in directing an immediate investigation to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. It is crucial that justice is served and those behind this criminal act are brought to account for their actions. The Nigerian Army’s unwavering focus on upholding peace and security in our nation is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our Armed Forces.
“The Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army stands resolutely alongside the Defence Headquarters and the Nigerian Army in seeking justice for the fallen heroes. We shall spare no effort in supporting the necessary investigations and legal processes to ensure that those responsible for this crime face the full consequences of their actions.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the families of the fallen heroes, and the entire Armed Forces as we honour the sacrifice and service of our brave personnel,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, there is palpable tension in the community as residents of the community have fled the community in fear of reprisal attacks as the community has been razed.
Residents of the coastal community fled to neighboring Ughelli for fear of a reprisal by the soldiers who have been patrolling the creeks.
There are strong allegations that some angry soldiers may have perpetrated the act after the death of their colleagues.
The manhunt for the killers is still ongoing and some arrests have also been made by the soldiers led by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Abdussalam.
It would be recalled that fourteen lifeless bodies of killed soldiers were in the early hours of Saturday recovered by soldiers of the joint task force under the supervision of Major General Abdussalam.
