The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, revealed that the Nigerian Army personnel tragically killed in Okuama Community in Delta on March 14 have left behind 10 widows, three of whom are expecting, along with 21 orphans.
Lagbaja shared this during the burial of the 17 fallen soldiers, including one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers, held at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
Expressing condolences to the families, Lagbaja assured them of support from the Nigerian army and the nation, emphasizing the commitment to preserving the memories of their loved ones. He acknowledged the difficult task of sending soldiers into harm’s way, knowing the risks involved.
Lagbaja condemned the gruesome manner in which the soldiers were murdered, expressing dismay at the delay in recovering their remains due to hindrances from the community. He reaffirmed the army’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and recover all missing items.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, hailed the fallen soldiers as embodiments of selflessness and dedication to duty, pledging continued efforts to uphold peace and security. He urged the nation to unite in support of the armed forces and strive for a safer Nigeria.
In attendance were President Bola Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and governors from Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, Kogi, and Imo states. President Tinubu announced posthumous national honors for the slain soldiers, along with houses and scholarships for their children.