In a tone denoting the weight of his office as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, warned that any attack on the armed forces or any of their men would be considered an attack on the nation. Tinubu said such assault was unacceptable.
The assertions were contained in the president’s formal reaction to Thursday’s killing of 16 soldiers in Delta State, which he personally signed.
Tinubu condemned the killing of the four senior officers and 12 soldiers during a peace mission in Okuoma community in Delta State by suspect criminal youths, saying such dastardly act will not be condoned.
The president granted the military leadership full authority to go after the criminals, who killed 16 of their men, and bring them to book.
Tinubu, in the one-page statement, further declared that those who perpetrated the act will not go unpunished, but face the full wrath of the law.
Describing the killing as needless, the president assured the Nigerian public that the military high command was making necessary moves to address the unfortunate incident. He said the military authorities had been mandated to ensure the prosecution of the masterminds of the crime.
Similarly, yesterday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, some senators, and other critical stakeholders condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric and heinous.
The military continued its siege on Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, as they searched for killers of the soldiers, who were on a peace mission to the community.
The heavily armed soldiers, who were unrelenting in their attempt to apprehend the perpetrators from the now deserted community, set ablaze buildings, allegedly owned or occupied by the suspected criminals.
While grieving over the death of the soldiers, the president extended his condolences to the families of the fallen officers and soldiers.
He said in the terse statement, “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, 14 March, 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 death 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 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 tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe.”
