THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday disclosed that that 17 troops of the Nigerian Army, who were killed in Delta State on March 14, 2024, left 10 widows among which were 3 pregnant women as well as 21 orphans.
This is as just the President, Bola Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour at the burial ceremony at the Military Cemetery, declared that the deceased officers would be awarded posthumous national honours.
Speaking in an emotional-laden voice where the slain military officers were being buried, Lagbaja revealed that the 3 women were 4, 5 and 8 months pregnant respectively.
Lagbaja said, “Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian Army and, by extension, the Nigeria state – 10 windows (three of whom are 4, 5, and 8 months pregnant), 21 orphans, and many other dependents which include parents.
“While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian Army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold. We shall do all within our power to provide succor to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones.”
He noted that the Army will not be deterred by the incident, vowing that the culprits would be brought to book.
He added, “I assure Mr. President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be deterred by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community.
“As tasked by Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to book and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, toward swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations.”
