President Bola Tinubu has granted full authority to the Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff to hunt killers of military personnel in Delta State.
He said this in response to the murder of two Major Generals, a Captain and 12 soldiers by irate youths during a rescue mission on Thursday March 14, in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local government Area of the State.
The tragedy occurred when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba Communities in Delta State, were ambushed, according to the Nigerian Army.
The directive is contained in a statement signed by President Bola Tinubu President, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President said he 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.
According to him, “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”.
Tinubu said, “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 nation safe, strong, and united.
“The officers and men who died in 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 core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.
“My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe”, he said.
Residents of Okuama Community had fled their homes over fear of a reprisal attacks by the military, which confirmed arrest of some suspected criminals linked to the heinous crime.
TheNewspad reports that the Community had gone up in flame after the attack, which has been widely condemned by Nigerians.
Leave a Reply