President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national posthumous awards on the four officers and 13 soldiers killed on March 14 at Okuoma community in Delta State.
The President announced the awards on Wednesday during the Burial Ceremony of the 17 officers killed in Delta State, at the National Cemetery, Abuja.
The four ranking officers, Lieutenant Colonel Ali, Major D E Obi, Major Ashafa and Captain U Zakaria were awarded the Member of the Order of Niger (MON).
The remaining 13 officers were also awarded with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
The President announced the provision of a house in any part of Nigeria to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.
The President further said that the Nigerian Government has equally approved scholarships to all the children of the deceased up to the University level
“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes, the Nigerian Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers,” he said.
President Tinubu also directed payment of the fallen heroes’ benefits within the next three months.
He said : “The Military must, within the next ninety days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.”
The Nigerian Leader said that “each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended Nigeria and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.
“They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON).
“The 13 courageous soldiers who lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.”
Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of the members of the Armed Forces, saying he recognises their valour, bravery and their commitment to making Nigeria safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.
He said : “The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats.
“Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come.
“On 14 March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.
“They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.
“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons.
“They were on a mission of peace, Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.
“Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end,” President Tinubu recalled
The President further commended the Armed Forces for their restraint in not carrying out reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities, urging the Military to ensure that the innocent are not made to bear the punishment of the wicked.
“As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery.
“I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.
“I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.
“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.” President Tinubu said.
The President tasked the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria not to be discouraged by the deaths of their compatriots adding that there is no higher honour than their choice of serving in the Nigerian army.
“To the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you.
“There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love.
“We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation,” he said
President Tinubu, however, affirmed the gallantry and position the Nigerian military occupies on the continent and in the sub-region, applauding the military for keeping Nigeria’s democracy safe.
Four officers and 13 men of the Nigerian Armed Forces were killed in the course of duty on 14th March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
