President Bola Tinubu has given the military full authority to track down the killers of 16 personnel of the Nigerian army in Okuoma community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State by yet-to be identified gunmen.
This is despite Tinubu, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, promising that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go unpunished.
Allub Times reports that 16 soldiers and officers responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State were ambushed and killed on Thursday.
Among the dead were the commander, two majors, a captain, 12 soldiers, and a civilian.
In a statement personally signed on Sunday, Tinubu expressed regret over what he said was the unnecessary death of the brave soldiers.
The President also expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones.
The statement partly reads: “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.
“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 tranquility in every part of Nigeria.”
