Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has vowed to get justice for 16 soldiers who were killed by youths of two warring communities in Delta State while on a peace mission.
The ambush and subsequent murder of the soldiers comprising a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, a Captain, and 12 other rank and file soldiers who were on a peace mission to the Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state last Thursday has continued to draw condemnation from different quarters including Tinubu who has ordered the military to apprehend their killers.
In a statement on Sunday, the angry Nigerian President mandated the military to comb the warring communities and bring the killers of the soldiers to book.
In the statement he personally signed titled “Killing of Nigerian soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State”, Tinubu, declared that “the cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”
While noting that the military high command was already responding to this incident, Tinubu gave fresh marching orders for the manhunt and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“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.
“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.
“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 Okuoma 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.
“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe.”