March 18, 2024
The Nigerian Army has published the names and pictures of 17 officers and soldiers killed last Thursday while on a peace mission in Okuoma, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State
The list comprises of one Lieutenant Colonel, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.
The identities of the slain officers and soldiers were posted on X (formally known as Twitter) with the caption: “REST IN PEACE OUR FALLEN HEROES”
The deceased were identified as Lt. Col. AH Ali, Maj Safa, Maj DE Obi and Cap U Zakari.
Others were: Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu; Corporal Yahaya Danbaba; Corporal Kabir Bashir; Lance corporal Bulus Haruna; Lance corporal Sole Opeyemi; Lance corporal Bello Anas; Lance corporal Haman Peter; Lance corporal Ibrahim Abdullahi; Private Alhaji Isah; Private Clement Francis; Private Abubakar Ali; Private Ibrahim Adamu and Private Adamu Ibrahim.
The Nation reported the slain officers and soldiers were at the community to free one Anthony Aboh, an indigene of neighboring Okoloba allegedly abducted over a land dispute between the two communities.
Outrage greeted the dastardly act from Nigerians, who viewed the situation as unbecoming.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday expressed deep displeasure over the killing and described it as a direct affront to the nation.
The military, which expressed indignation, was ordered by the President to fish out the killers and bring them to book.
The President in a statement, he signed, directed the military to immediately arrest the perpetrators.
“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff (Gen. Christopher Musa) 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,” he said.
Residents, especially young men, were understood to have fled for fear of reprisal but the Army assured they will not engage in reprisal attack.
