At the burial ceremony held at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, expressed profound grief over the recent loss of 17 military personnel in Delta State.
Addressing the gathering, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja lamented the tragic toll of the incident, revealing that it had left 21 children orphaned and 10 women widowed, three of whom were pregnant, with pregnancies ranging from four to eight months.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja condemned the perpetrators of the heinous act, emphasising the betrayal felt by the soldiers who dedicated themselves to protecting the populace. He reassured the bereaved families of the soldiers that the Nigerian Army, along with the nation, stands in solidarity with them during this trying time.
“The Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian Army and, by extension, the Nigerian state – 10 widows (three of whom are four, five, and eight months pregnant), 21 orphans, and many other dependents, which include parents,” stated Lt. Gen. Lagbaja.
Amidst the mourning, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja affirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to uphold its constitutional duties, promising resolute action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He reiterated the resolve of the Nigerian Army to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the swift arrest of those responsible for the attack, pledging to recover all belongings taken from the fallen soldiers.
“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,” declared Lt. Gen. Lagbaja.
In concluding his remarks, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja called upon all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those in the affected region, to support the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army in its search and recovery operations. The ceremony ended with a solemn commitment to honour the memories of the fallen soldiers and provide support to their grieving families.
