NewsNigeriaMurdered Soldiers Are Laid to Rest At National Cemetery

Seventeen Nigerian soldiers were laid to rest on Wednesday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, following their brutal murders on 14th March.

The soldiers, part of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were ambushed and killed in Okuama, Delta State while responding to a distress call over a local conflict.

The sombre ceremony was attended by President Bola Tinubu, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.

President Tinubu offered his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, praising their courage and sacrifice.

“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats,” the President said. “Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come.”

The remains of the soldiers, draped in the Nigerian flag, were carried by their comrades. Family members, dignitaries, and fellow soldiers filled the cemetery, their faces etched with grief. The ceremony featured a gun salute, hymns, and emotional speeches that paid tribute to the fallen.

President Tinubu and the military authorities have vowed to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice,” the President said.

The circumstances surrounding the ambush remain under investigation.

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 were present to pay their final respects to the fallen heroes.

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas led members of the both upper and lower chambers to honour the slain military personnel.

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Abba Yusuf (Kano) were also present alongside other State Governors.