March 27, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army Personnel killed-in-action at Okuama Community, Delta State has been laid to rest on Wednesday, March 27, at National Cemetary, Abuja.
The corpses of the 17 personnel arrived at the National Cemetery at about 2:26 pm.
President Bola Tinubu, Service Chiefs and other dignitaries were in attendance at the burial ceremony.
THEWILL had reported that the 17 military personnel, including four officers, and 13 soldiers, were killed in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Military authorities earlier said they were killed while on a mission to maintain peace between two warring communities of Okuama and Okoloba.
The personnel comprised one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers.
The officers are Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395), and Capt U Zakari (N/16348).
The soldiers are SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719), and LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290).
They also include LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079), and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has conferred national posthumous awards on the slain military personnel.
Four slain officers were awarded the honour of Members of the Order of the Niger (MON) while 13 slain soldiers were honoured with Officers of the Federal Republic medals.
Speaking at the burial ceremony at the Military Cemetery, the President also announced scholarships and house gifts for the children and families of the deceased military personnel.
“Each of the men now belongs to the hallowed list of service men and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risks to their own lives.
“They have all been awarded a posthumous National Honour. Four gallant officers have been accorded the award of Members of the Order of Niger (MON). The 13 courageous soldiers, who also lost their lives, have been awarded the Officers of the Federal Republic medals.
“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes. The Federal Government will provide housing in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers that were among them.
“The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all children of the deceased up to university level, including those who are in the womb. The military, we appeal to you to, within the next 90 days, ensure that all benefits of the departed are paid,” the President said, adding that the gallant soldiers would be remembered as patriots who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.
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