In a somber ceremony at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, the nation mourned the loss of 17 brave military personnel who were gruesomely murdered on March 14, 2024, in Okuama village, Delta State.
The soldiers, on a peace mission to quell tensions between warring communities, fell victim to a vicious attack by residents of the riverine village.
Amidst dignitaries and grieving families, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other top military officials, the fallen soldiers were honored with full military honors.
Also in attendance were political figures such as Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Governors from various states, including Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, and Hope Uzodimma of Imo, paid their respects alongside President Bola Tinubu, who arrived to join the solemn assembly.
The tragic incident unfolded as the soldiers responded to a distress call related to a communal land dispute.
However, they were met with violence, resulting in the loss of lives. The gruesome nature of the attack, which included beheadings and mutilations, shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the identities of the fallen, including the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 other personnel.
President Tinubu vowed to honor the slain soldiers and ordered security agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible.
The Senate, alongside civil society organizations, echoed calls for justice, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to book.
As the nation mourns this tragic loss, the memory of these gallant soldiers will forever be honored for their sacrifice and valor in service to their country.
