The Nigerian Army has announced that soldiers killed in the Okuama community in Delta State will be laid to rest today (Wednesday) at the National Cemetery in Abuja. The burial ceremony is scheduled for 3 pm and will be attended by Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Tinubu.
The Press reported that at least 17 military personnel lost their lives during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities. The soldiers, attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call.
Despite rumors of a military reprisal, the Defence headquarters denied any plans for such action, emphasizing their commitment to apprehending the perpetrators. The Defence Headquarters released the names of the slain Army personnel and vowed to bring the culprits to justice.
President Tinubu and the Senate have ordered the military to arrest the killers, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including three prime suspects. Retired army generals and civil society organizations have also condemned the killings and called for swift prosecution of the perpetrators.
Speaking at the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja, the immediate-past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), called for further analysis and discussions regarding the incident. He stressed the need to prevent similar occurrences and maintain the integrity of the military.
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted the evolving nature of insecurity in the country and emphasized the importance of addressing it within the broader global security context. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged security agencies to establish strong relationships with residents of border communities to enhance border protection efforts.
