Slain Soldiers to be Buried Today; Military Demands Capture of Killers
By: Emmanuel Ibitoye
The Nigerian Army has announced that slain soldiers from the Okuama community in Delta State will be laid to rest today (Wednesday) at the National Cemetery, Abuja.
The burial ceremony is scheduled for 3 pm, with President Bola Tinubu set to attend as the Special Guest of Honour. This follows the tragic deaths of at least 17 military personnel during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities.
The soldiers, attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed by irate youths. Despite reports of military reprisals, the Defence Headquarters denied such plans and vowed to apprehend the perpetrators. President Tinubu and the Senate have urged the military to ensure the capture of the killers, with retired army generals and civil society organizations echoing the demand for swift justice.
In response to the tragedy, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), the immediate-past Chief of Defence Staff, called for further analysis and conversations over the killings, emphasizing the need to prevent future occurrences through dialogue and enforcement of legal measures. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, highlighted the evolving nature of insecurity in the country, urging comprehensive approaches to address the challenges. Additionally, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with border communities to enhance national security.
