Okuama: Tinubu To Attend Burial Of Slain Soldiers Today

Assuming no unforeseen circumstances arise, the burial ceremony for the 17 military servicemen who lost their lives at Okuama, a hamlet located in Delta State's Ughelli South Local Government Area, is scheduled for this Wednesday.

March 14 killed thirteen men from the unit, one captain, two majors, and the 181 Amphibious unit's commanding officer.

Following conflict between the towns of Okuama and Okoloba, the soldiers had "responded to a distress call."

At a community altercation over a land dispute in the state's Bomadi and Okuoma areas, they were allegedly ambushed by furious adolescents.

Reports state that some of the troops' bellies and hearts were severed, while the headless bodies of the fallen soldiers were subsequently found in nearby rivers.

President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Senate, and the defence headquarters were among the officials who denounced the heinous way in which the military people were executed. Fierce Tinubu called it an attack on the country and ordered security services to track down the attack's masterminds.

interment at 3 p.m.

According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday, the fallen soldiers will be laid to rest on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

President Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, is scheduled to attend the function as the Special Guest of Honour.
Previous to the killing, Tinubu denounced it and insisted that the "cowardly" offenders face consequences.

In a statement made public on Sunday night, he called the murder "dreadful" and "unprovoked."

"As the head of state, I stand in solidarity with all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women serving in our armed forces to grieve and convey my deep sorrow for the senseless loss of life of our brave warriors," Tinubu declared.

"I send my sincere condolences to the loved ones, coworkers, and families of these departed troops. The incident is already being addressed by the military high command. This horrible crime's cowardly perpetrators will not escape punishment.

Fears of Reprisal
Concerned about potential military retaliation and the growing unease following the horrific murder, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori met President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on the same day.
According to Oborevwori, military authorities have given him assurances regarding the community's protection.

"I have chosen to come here and inform Mr. President of all the efforts we have been making to keep the peace." Following the meeting, the President told him, "Mr. President has reassured me that he is in favour of peace and we both condemn the killing of the officers and the soldiers because they were there on a peace mission."

We did not bargain for what is currently taking place. However, we want everyone to know that the communities won't be attacked again.

"There won't be an attack if there is someone who wills it, as it has happened before. But we are aware that the responsible parties will be brought a book but innocent citizens will not be will not be attacked.”