Tinubu to attends burial of soldiers slain in Delta ambush
The nation mourns the tragic loss of 16 gallant soldiers who were recently killed in an ambush in Okuama Community, Delta State. The solemn occasion of their burial has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2024, with prominent political figure President Bola Tinubu slated to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
This announcement was made in a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday. According to Nwachukwu, the fallen heroes will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Abuja, with the ceremony commencing at 3 pm.
The soldiers, belonging to the 181 Amphibious Battalion, met their untimely demise in an ambush while on a mission in Okuama community, situated in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta, on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths evoke a sense of tragedy and profound loss. The troops were deployed on a mission described as “peaceful and mediatory,” aimed at quelling a reported communal clash between Okuama community and Okoloba in Bomadi LGA of the state.
However, they fell victim to a deadly ambush, underscoring the inherent dangers faced by military personnel in conflict zones. While the Nigerian Army typically refrains from publicly disclosing the identities of fallen soldiers, particularly in cases of mass casualties, an exception was made for the victims of the Okuama ambush. In a publication on Monday, March 18, the Army paid tribute to the fallen heroes, honouring their sacrifice and service to the nation.
In response to the heinous attack, President Bola Tinubu swiftly granted “full authority” to the military to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for the assault. The president’s decisive action underscores the gravity of the situation and the nation’s unwavering commitment to upholding security and justice for its citizens.
In a separate statement issued earlier on Monday, Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu reaffirmed the military’s resolve to execute the president’s directive with utmost diligence. He emphasised that efforts were underway to track down the perpetrators, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. “Troops are determined to root out these criminals, and there is certainly no hiding place for them,” declared Nwachukwu, highlighting the military’s unwavering determination to hold accountable those responsible for the cowardly attack on the nation’s defenders.
As preparations are made for the solemn burial ceremony, the nation stands united in honouring the memory of the fallen soldiers and expressing gratitude for their selfless service and sacrifice. President Bola Tinubu’s presence at the event underscores the nation’s solidarity and commitment to honouring its heroes, ensuring that their legacy of courage and valour endures for generations to come.
