Tinubu vows justice for 16 slain soldiers

President Bola Tinubu stated over the weekend that any attack on the armed forces or any of their members would be considered an attack on the country. Tinubu called such an assault unacceptable.

The assertions were included in the president’s formal response to Thursday’s killing of 16 soldiers in Delta State, which he signed.

Tinubu condemned the killing of four senior officers and 12 soldiers during a peace mission in Okuoma, Delta State, saying such heinous acts would not be tolerated.

The president granted the military leadership full authority to pursue and bring to justice the criminals who killed 16 of their men.

Tinubu declared in the one-page statement that those who committed the act would face the full wrath of the law.

The president described the killing as unnecessary, assuring the Nigerian public that the military high command was taking the necessary steps to address the unfortunate incident. He stated that the military authorities had been tasked with ensuring the prosecution of the perpetrators of the crime.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, some senators, and other key stakeholders condemned the killing as barbaric and heinous.

The military continued its siege on the Okuama community in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area yesterday, looking for the killers of the soldiers who were on a peace mission in the area.

The heavily armed soldiers, who were unwavering in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators in the now-deserted community, set fire to buildings allegedly owned or occupied by the suspected criminals.

While mourning the soldiers’ deaths, the president offered his condolences to the families of the fallen officers and soldiers.

“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, March 14, 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 12 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 deaths 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 the 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.”

Tinubu stated, “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 tranquilly in every part of Nigeria.

“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe.”