President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of 16 Nigerian soldiers, including a commanding officer and other senior ranks, who were ambushed while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State.
“We will not accept this wicked act,” Tinubu stated firmly in a statement on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday when troops responding to a crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities were attacked by yet unidentified perpetrators.
Tinubu declared that the ambush that killed the soldiers, including two Majors, one Captain, and 12 other troops, as well as one civilian, amounted to “a direct attack on our nation.”
He praised the “heroism, courage and uncommon grit and patriotism” of the fallen men.
The President vowed that the “cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”
He revealed the military high command is already responding, and the Defence Headquarters has been granted full authority to bring anyone involved to justice.
“Any attack on our armed forces is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act,” Tinubu reiterated .
“My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquility in every part of Nigeria.”
The President joined all Nigerians in mourning the deaths, extending profound condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen.
He stated that the soldiers have “joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honor, in the service of our fatherland.”