…GIVES MATCHING ORDERS TO FLUSH KILLERS OF SOLDIERS
The dastardly act on Thursday that led to the killing of Lt. Col. AH Ali, Commanding Officer, 198 Special Force Battalion, Delta State has been condemned by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with an order to the military high Command to fish out those responsible for the killing of the 16 soldiers.
The Commanding Officer, two Majors one Captain, and 12 Soldiers were brutally, brutishly, and savagely murdered in an ambush by unidentified youths in Delta while on a peace mission to Okuama/Okoloba community.
“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.”
In a statement in Abuja on Sunday shortly after an emergency meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, sympathized with the military over the needless death of the gallant soldiers.
The statement read, “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.
“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep the members of our armed forces safe.”