March 18, (THEWILL)- President Bola Tinubu has declared an all-out war to apprehend the killers of 16 military personnel in Delta State and make them face the full wrath of the law.
This is as the Nigerian military, on Sunday, deployed armoured vehicles to Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Council, over the killing of the personnel. A community source said soldiers continued to raze more houses in Okuama community in reprisal for the killing of their personnel.
THEWILL earlier reported that Officers and men of Operation Delta Safe, including a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers deployed to quell a communal crisis in Okuoma community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State were on Thursday, March 14, killed alongside a civilian.
The dastardly killing has since attracted wide condemnation, including that from President Tinubu; the Nigerian Senate; the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone; presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar; his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi; the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), and many more, with each calling for an investigation into the incident and the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
President Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday, described the killing as “unprovoked” and “dreadful”.
“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,” he said.
The President said the killing was a further demonstration of the dangers servicemen and women face in their 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 nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in the 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 core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act,” he said.
Tinubu said 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,” he added.
Similarly, the Senate has condemned the gruesome murder of the soldiers, calling for the culprits to be made to face the full consequences of their actions.
In a statement signed on Sunday by its Chairman, Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the Red Chamber noted that the sacrifices made by the Commanding Officer, three officers, and 12 soldiers during the distressing incident would forever be remembered.
The statement read: “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 said.
