Okuama killings: killed soldiers left behind 10 widows, 3 pregnant women, 21 orphans - COAS laments

Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), expressed profound sorrow as he disclosed that the fallen soldiers from the Okuama Community tragedy in Delta left behind 10 widows, three of whom are pregnant, and 21 orphans.

He conveyed this during the burial ceremony of the 17 personnel at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

Lagbaja assured the families of the deceased soldiers that the Nigerian Army and the nation would not abandon them. He pledged to provide support and preserve the memories of the departed soldiers.

“While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold.

“We shall do all within our power to provide succour to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones,” he said.

Lagbaja said he considered his toughest job to be putting fine men and women in harm’s way, sometimes knowing that they might not return to their families and loved ones.

The COAS acknowledged the immense sacrifice made by these soldiers, acknowledging the risks they faced in service, knowing that not all would return home.

He lamented the heinous manner in which the soldiers were murdered, emphasising the demoralising effect it has on the army. Lagbaja highlighted the challenges faced in recovering the bodies of the soldiers due to the gruesome nature of the attack.

He assured that the Nigerian Army remained committed to its responsibilities and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), paid tribute to the fallen heroes, describing them as exemplary in their service to the nation. He assured the families of support from the nation and the armed forces and emphasised the importance of honouring their memory by continuing the fight against insecurity.

President Bola Tinubu, along with other dignitaries, attended the ceremony and announced posthumous national honours for the slain soldiers, as well as provisions such as houses and scholarships for their children, acknowledging their sacrifice for the nation.