Honoring the 17 military personnel who lost their lives in the Okuama community of Delta State was a commitment fulfilled by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
He praised the fallen soldiers as courageous, noble, and patriotic individuals, emphasizing that they will always be remembered as heroes who bravely responded to duty’s call and made the ultimate sacrifice.
The soldiers who received posthumous honors from the Federal Government include Lieutenant Colonel Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa, Captain U. Zakari, Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, and Corporal Kabir Bashir.
Also recognized were Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, Lance Corporal Bello Anas; Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.
Four officers were honored with the national Order of Niger (MON), while 13 others were awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.
Aside from the accolades, Tinubu announced house gifts and scholarships for the families of the deceased soldiers.
The tragic incident that led to the soldiers’ demise occurred when the troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion were ambushed while on a peacekeeping mission to Okuama, a community in Delta State.
Addressing the burial ceremony, the President expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces, acknowledging the sacrifices made by these valiant soldiers in securing the nation and battling criminal elements.
He emphasized the importance of promoting peace, unity, and harmony within communities, urging leaders to strive towards ending cycles of violence and fostering a culture of tolerance and cooperation.
Tinubu assured that justice would be served to the perpetrators of the heinous crime and commended the Armed Forces for their professionalism and restraint in the aftermath of the tragedy.
He encouraged the troops to remain resilient and dedicated to their chosen vocation, recognizing their role as guardians of democracy and exemplars of selfless service.
Highlighting the global reputation of the Nigerian Military, Tinubu emphasized the need to support the families of the fallen soldiers and announced government initiatives to provide housing and education support for their loved ones.
He concluded by offering prayers for the departed soldiers and their families, invoking blessings on the nation and the continued safety of the troops.