Okuama killings: Tinubu gives scholarships, houses to children, families of 17 soldiers killed in Delta

In a heartfelt gesture of support and solidarity, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday offered scholarships to the children of 17 soldiers killed in the Okuama community in Delta State.

Also, he said the Government will provide housing for the families of the military men.

Tinubu made the announcement while addressing the military, grieving families, and other sympathisers at the burial ceremony held in Abuja to bid farewell to the fallen heroes.

Expressing his deepest condolences to the military, Tinubu said: “I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.

“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.

Eulogises Armed Forces

“To the entire Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you.Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you.

“There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love.

“We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.

“Within our continent, our sub-region and across the world, the Nigerian Military has remained a force for good, embodying a great example and keeping our democracy safe.

“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes.”

Scholarships, housing

On the compensation for the fallen soldiers, President Tinubu said: “The Federal Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers

“The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all the children of the deceased up to the University level.

“The Military must, within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

“May the families of the departed  and all their loved ones find the strength to bear the pain of this loss. May God grant our heroes eternal rest.”

Roll call

In attendance are the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas are also present.

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Abba Yusuf (Kano) are already seated at the burial site.

… March 4

Recall that 17 military personnel — comprising a lieutenant ​colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers — were killed while on a “peacekeeping mission” in the Okuama community on March 14.

On March 18, the military authorities released the names and pictures of the 17 soldiers.

Below are the names of the dead soldiers:

1. AH Ali                       Lieutenant Colonel (Commanding officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion)
2. SD Shafa                  Major
3. DE Obi                     Major
4. U. Zakari                 Captain
5. Yahaya Saidu         Staff Sergeant

6.  Yahaya Danbaba   Corporal

7. Kabiru Bashir          Corporal
8. Bulus Haruna         Lance Corporal
9. Sole Opeyemi         Lance Corporal
10. Bello Anas             Lance Corporal
11. Hamman Peter     Lance Corporal
12. Ibrahim Abdullahi   Lance Corporal
13. Alhaji Isah               Private
14. Clement Francis     Private
15. Abubakar Ali            Private
16. Ibrahim Adamu  Private
17. Adamu Ibrahim     Private