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President Bola Tinubu announced on Wednesday that the Federal Government would provide scholarships up to the university level for all children, including those yet to be born, of Nigerian Army personnel killed in action at Okuama community in Delta State.
In a statement, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, relayed that the President made this declaration at the funeral of the personnel at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Tinubu instructed the military authorities to ensure that the benefits due to the deceased are paid to their families within 90 days. Additionally, he pledged that the federal government would provide a house in any part of the nation to each of the families of the four officers and thirteen soldiers.
The President posthumously honored the 17 fallen heroes, including Lt Col Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa, and Captain U. Zakari, with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). Others, such as Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu and Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, were awarded Federal Republic Medals.
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“On the 14th day of March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community,” Tinubu recounted.
He emphasised that they went as peacekeepers, not warriors.
Tinubu commended the military for their restraint in refraining from retaliating against the community and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged the elders and chiefs of Okuama to assist in identifying the assailants.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces, praying for divine comfort.
He lauded the soldiers’ sacrifices and urged the Armed Forces to honor their memory by rededicating themselves to national service and defense.
