The tragic loss of seventeen soldiers on March 14, 2024, in the Okuama community of the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State will be commemorated with a solemn burial ceremony on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
The Nigerian Army announced through a post on X that the fallen heroes will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, with the ceremony scheduled to commence at 3 pm.
Notably, President Bola Tinubu will grace the event as the Special Guest of Honour, paying tribute to the sacrifice made by these brave soldiers in service to their nation.
The slain soldiers met their untimely demise while responding to a distress call amidst a communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
Their valiant efforts to restore peace were met with a tragic end as they were brutally murdered during their mission.
The gruesome nature of the attack shocked the nation, with reports emerging of beheaded corpses recovered from neighboring rivers, alongside others whose stomachs and hearts were ripped out.
Identified by the Defence Headquarters, the fallen soldiers included the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and twelve other personnel of the battalion.
This loss not only reverberates within the military but also deeply affects the communities and families left mourning their loved ones.
Condemnation of the heinous act poured in from various quarters, with President Tinubu labeling it as an attack on the entire nation.
He issued stern directives to security agencies, urging them to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice swiftly.
The Senate, alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and civil society organizations, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the brutal killings.
In recognition of their service and sacrifice, President Tinubu announced that the slain military personnel would be posthumously conferred with national honors, honoring their bravery and dedication to duty.
