PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has honoured the 17 officers and soldiers killed in Okuama community, Delta State with the Member of the Order of Niger (MON) and the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal awards, respectively.
While the four officers were accorded the award of MON the thirteen soldiers were bestowed the OFR award.
They were Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt.-Col. A.H Ali; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395); Capt U Zakari (N/16348); SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719); and LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290).
The rest were LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079) and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).
Their remains were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday, March 27. The bodies, which arrived about 2:26 pm, were conveyed by the Military Ambulance Emergency vehicles and FCT Ambulance Emergency services, among others.
President Bola Tinubu, top government functionaries and top military officers from various formations across the country attended the funeral to pay last respect to the fallen heroes.
Also in attendance were distraught family members and relatives of the slain personnel, as well as wives of other military officers.
The deceased were troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion in Bomadi Local Council of Delta State, who were killed by fleeing suspects while on peace mission, following a distress call in the lingering communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities.
Speaking at the funeral, Tinubu said all the fallen heroes have now been awarded the posthumous national honours, saying: “It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.
“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come and their.
“On 14 March, Lt-Col. A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.
“They went as peace-makers and peace-keepers, respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities. They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons; they were on a mission of peace.
“Before the dastardly attack, Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits, fighting terrorists and insurgents in the Northeast and Northwest before his deployment to the Niger Delta. Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.
“Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.
“They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant officers have been accorded the award of MON. The 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been awarded the OFR medal.”
The President continued: “I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.
“It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families. As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.
“While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities.
“We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance and harmony will reign. Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.
“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.
“The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.
“I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuama or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.
“To the entire Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.
“Within our continent, our sub-region and across the world, the Nigerian military has remained a force for good, embodying a great example and keeping our democracy safe.
“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes. The Federal Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.
“The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all the children of the deceased up to the university level.
“The military must, within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.
“May the families of the departed and all their loved ones find the strength to bear the pain of this loss.
“May God grant our heroes eternal rest. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep our troops safe, always.”
