The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, solemnly disclosed that the Nigerian Army lost valuable personnel in the tragic incident at Okuama Community in Delta on March 14. In his address during the burial ceremony of the 17 personnel, which included one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers, at the National Cemetery in Abuja, he revealed that the fallen soldiers left behind 10 widows, three of whom are pregnant, and 21 orphans.

Expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, Lagbaja assured them of the Nigerian Army and the nation's support in their time of need. He emphasized the commitment to provide assistance and preserve the memories of the departed soldiers. Lagbaja acknowledged the challenging responsibility of deploying troops into harm's way, knowing the risks they face and the sacrifices they make for their country.

Lagbaja condemned the gruesome manner in which the soldiers were murdered, describing it as highly demoralizing and an act of betrayal by those they swore to protect. He lamented the delay in recovering the bodies and vital organs of the slain soldiers, attributing it to hindrances encountered during the search and recovery efforts in Okuama Community.

The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army's determination to fulfill its constitutional duties despite setbacks, reaffirming the commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama massacre to justice and recovering missing equipment and belongings of the murdered troops. He solicited the cooperation of all Nigerians, especially those in the affected area, in support of ongoing search and recovery operations.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, paid tribute to the fallen heroes, praising their dedication to duty and selfless service to the nation. He assured the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces, urging them to find solace in the enduring legacy left by their loved ones.

Musa vowed to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers by continuing the fight against insecurity and those who seek to undermine the nation's peace and stability. He called for unity and collective effort in building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of defending the nation against threats to its security.

The presence of dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, among others, underscored the significance of the occasion. President Tinubu announced posthumous national honors, houses, and scholarships for the children of the slain soldiers as a token of appreciation for their sacrifice.

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