President Bola Tinubu has awarded posthumous national honours to the 17 soldiers killed in Okuama community in Delta with promised scholarships and houses to the families of the slained military personnel.
The President made the announcement on Wednesday 27th March 2024 during the burial of the slain military personnel at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
The Army personnel were killed on 17 March while on a peace mission to Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
President Bola Tinubu assured the families of the slained personnel of maximum support and approved scholarship for all children of the slain soldiers, including those still in the womb before the death if their bread winners.
“They have all been awarded now a posthumous national honour. The four gallant officers have been accorded the awards of the Members of the Order of Nigeria (MON), The 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been awarded the Officers of the Federal Republic medals.”
While commiserating with the families of the slain military personnel, the President said the government’s resolve to hunt down the perpetrators will not wither.
“They won’t go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice,”
"As commander-in-chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.”
He said the military demonstrated restraint by not carrying out reprisal attacks against the communities where the incident happened while urging them not to allow the death of the 17 men to demoralise them.
“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them. To the entire Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you, do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you"
The President saluted the daily sacrifice of the men and women of the Nigerian military in protecting fellow citizens from danger, acknowledging their sacrifices in defence of the nation.
It was an emotional evening on Wednesday as grieving families and friends of 17 gallant military personnel laid wreaths in honour of the slain officers and soldiers.
The procession of the white caskets draped in green-white-green conveying the remains of the military personnel brought tears to families and sympathisers.
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