President Bola Tinubu has directed comprehensive investigation into the murder of officers of the Nigerian Army, adding that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
Sixteen men of the Nigerian Army, led by Lt. Col. AH Ali, Major Share, Major Obi and Captain Zakari, were ambushed in Bomadi council area of Delta State on Thursday. They were killed and decapitated.
The President has assured that their killers will not go unpunished.
On Wednesday, the Bomadi Division of the JTF led by Maj. Jaffa went on a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a kidnapped youth, Mr Anthony Aboh, an indigene of neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, who was abducted over the lingering land dispute between the two communities.
A source from the military said, the commander and his men were taken unaware while on their way back to the waterfront after a deadlocked round-table discussion in the Okuama community hall over the kidnapped person.
In a statement released by the presidency, Tinubu said the reckless attack and killing of the officers and men was a direct affront on the nation, saying it would be accepted by nation.
“On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission to Okuoma Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The incident occurred on Thursday 14 March, 2024 when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.
“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.
“This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the 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 country safe, strong and united. The officers and men who died in 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 the core of our nationhood.
Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act”, the President said.
President Tinubu further stated that the military high command had been directed to bring those culpable for the heinous affront on the nation to justice.
“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.
“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe”, the statement said.