The Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Airforce convened in Abuja on Wednesday to engage with the Service Chiefs concerning the tragic killing of 16 soldiers in Okuoma Community, Delta State. The session commenced with a moment of silence to honor the fallen soldiers, after which the committee proceeded into a closed-door meeting.

Chairing the committee, Senator Ahmad Lawan expressed condemnation for the soldiers' deaths. He outlined the circumstances surrounding the incident, explaining that troops from the 181 Amphibious battalion were on a peacekeeping mission in Okuoma Community when they were ambushed by local youths, resulting in casualties.

Following the gravity of the attack, the Senate, during its plenary on Tuesday, March 19, mandated the Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Airforce to investigate the matter. Additionally, the Senate urged the federal government to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.

Lawan emphasized the Senate's unwavering support for the military, highlighting the importance of adequate resources and funding for national security. He commended the Armed Forces for their dedication despite limited resources, stressing that national security takes precedence over other considerations.

Expressing sorrow over the tragic incident, Lawan emphasized the Senate's desire for justice to be served swiftly. He called upon Nigerians to collaborate with the military by providing necessary information to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Lawan underscored the collective responsibility of citizens in supporting the Armed Forces and maintaining national security. He urged residents of the affected area to cooperate with authorities in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preventing such tragedies.

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