President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the military to hunt down those who killed some soldiers in Delta state last week.
The president, in a statement on Sunday, said the perpetrators of the heinous crime must not go ‘unpunished”.
The magazine reported that 16 soldiers, including two majors and their commanding officer were ambushed by some suspected youths while on peace mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident has been greeted with a lot of condemnations from Nigerians who are demanding justice for the brutally murdered soldiers.
Security agencies must bring their killers to book with a view to serve as a deterrence to others who target the servicemen who put their lives in harm’s way for the unity of the country, according to angry Nigerians who spoke on the issue.
Already, suspected military men were believed to have launched a reprisal attack on the communities where the incident occurred on Sunday, by burning houses said to be hideouts of the murderers, while residents have fled in other to escape being caught up in the cross fire.
Tinubu on his part said, as the commander-in chief of the Armed Forces, he has given the military the marching order to ensure that those that committed the crime are urgently brought to justice.
The president said “As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.
“I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.
“This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.
“As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.
“Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.
“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.
“My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
“May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe,’ Tinubu said.
