President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned a dignified farewell for the 17 soldiers tragically lost during a peacekeeping mission in Delta State.
This announcement came alongside the approval for posthumous national honors to be bestowed upon the fallen heroes.
The decision was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, during a statement released on Wednesday.
President Tinubu made the declaration while breaking the Ramadan fast with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other House leaders.
Expressing profound condolences to the families of the deceased, President Tinubu pledged that the sacrifices made by these soldiers would never be forgotten.
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He assured that the fallen heroes would receive a fitting burial ceremony and be honored nationally.
The President emphasized the significance of acknowledging the valor of these soldiers who met a tragic end while responding to distress calls, stating, “Let us work to sympathize and symbolize the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.”
The unfortunate incident occurred during a mission to mitigate clashes between two communities in Delta State, resulting in the loss of 16 Nigerian soldiers.
Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.) revealed the harrowing details of the ambush in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area.
In response, the Nigerian Army refuted allegations of reprisal and emphasized its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Defense Headquarters released the names of the deceased soldiers and vowed to take decisive action against the culprits.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas highlighted the values of forgiveness, generosity, and unity during Ramadan, urging support for President Tinubu and emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the executive and legislative branches for the nation’s progress.
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