President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the kinsmen of those who murdered 17 soldiers who went on a peace mission to Okuoma Community in Delta State to help in fishing out the killers.
Tinubu stated this today in his speech at the burial ceremony of the slain soldiers saying, “The elders and chiefs of Okuoma Community also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.”
The President, however, appealed to Armed Forces to restrain from carrying out reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities stressing, “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 demonstrate that the nation appreciate the efforts of the fallen soldiers in protecting the nation, Tinubu awarded posthumous national honours to all of them. “The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal”, he announced.
“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 ninety days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families”, Tinubu added.
