President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded the 17 soldiers killed in Delta State with posthumous national honours of the Member of the Order of the Niger and the Order of the Federal Republic.
Tinubu announced the honours during his speech at the burial ceremony held for the slain soldiers at the national military cemetery in Abuja.
Premium Politics reported that some irate youths in the Okuama community in Delta State, on March 14, gruesomely murdered 17 military personnel comprising four officers, and 13 soldiers during a peace mission.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate prize,” Tinubu said.
He added, “Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.
“They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger(MON). The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal(OFR).
“I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.
“It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families.”
