President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, led a host of government officials to honour and lay to rest, men of the Nigerian army who were attacked and killed in Okuoma, Delta state. In a solemn gesture of support, the President offered scholarships to the children of all 17 soldiers killed and said the Government will provide housing for their families.
Expressing his condolences, the president said: “I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.
“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma 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.”
To the families of the fallen heroes, President Tinubu said: “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.”
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Others include the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Abba Yusuf (Kano).
