President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday extended scholarships to the children of the 17 soldiers who were slain in the Delta State village of Okuama as a genuine show of sympathy and solidarity.
He added that housing for the families of the military personnel will be provided by the government.
Persecondnews reports that unlike other past Nigerian presidents, Tinubu attended the burial of the soldiers as earlier announced in a statement by presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking to the military, bereaved families, and other supporters during the burial service held in Abuja to say goodbye to the fallen heroes, Tinubu remarked: “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.”
Tinubu announced at the occasion that 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.”
In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Also present were Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Abba Yusuf (Kano).
Persecondnews had reported that on March 14, 17 military personnel — comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers — were murdered while on a peacekeeping mission at Okuama community.
Below are the names of the dead soldiers:
AH Ali Lieutenant Colonel (Commanding officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion)
SD Shafa Major
DE Obi Major
U. Zakari Captain
Yahaya Saidu Staff Sergeant
6. Yahaya Danbaba Corporal
Kabiru Bashir Corporal
Bulus Haruna Lance Corporal
Sole Opeyemi Lance Corporal
Bello Anas Lance Corporal
Hamman Peter Lance Corporal
Ibrahim Abdullahi Lance Corporal
Alhaji Isah Private
Clement Francis Private
Abubakar Ali Private
Ibrahim Adamu Private
Adamu Ibrahim Private
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