Tinubu Unveils Plans For Soldiers Killed In Delta, Says That More Is Coming

President Bola Tinubu has authorized what he termed a dignified burial for the 17 soldiers who lost their lives while on a peacekeeping mission in Delta State last week.

This decision also includes the posthumous conferment of national honors on the fallen soldiers.

The statement was made known by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a release on Wednesday.

During a Ramadan fast-breaking event with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the House leadership, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. He pledged that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

He declared that the fallen officers would receive a fitting burial and national honors.

“In responding to distress calls, they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathize and symbolize the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.

“We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathize with them. I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must have a befitting burial and national honors,” President Tinubu stated.

A total of 17 Nigerian soldiers were tragically killed while attempting to quell clashes between two communities in Delta State last Thursday.

Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.) revealed the circumstances surrounding the deaths, stating that the soldiers were ambushed by residents of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Army, on Monday, refuted claims of reprisal against the Okuama community, labeling such assertions as propaganda.

Additionally, the Defence Headquarters released the names of the fallen soldiers on Monday and emphasized the resolve to apprehend the perpetrators, warning of severe consequences.