ABUJA, Nigeria – In a solemn funeral ceremony, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria conferred posthumous national honours on 17 soldiers killed in a tragic incident in the Okuama community of Delta State.
The honours were bestowed during a burial ceremony at the National Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, symbolising the nation’s grief and respect for the fallen heroes.
According to Dada Olusegun, the special assistant to President Tinubu on social media, the President awarded the 4 ranking officers the Member of the Order of Niger (MON) and the remaining 13 officers the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
This gesture not only commemorates the soldiers’ ultimate sacrifice but also publicly acknowledges their bravery and service to the nation.
President Tinubu personally attended the burial ceremony, arriving at the National Cemetery at approximately 4:08 pm, making him the special guest of honour.
This act contrasts sharply with the practices of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was noted for his absence at such events, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ deaths.
The ceremony was attended by a notable assembly of dignitaries, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Kano State Governor Yusuf Abba Gida, Imo State Governor, Bayelsa State Governor, the Deputy Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The defense sector was well represented, with the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other high-ranking military officials in attendance.
The soldiers, remembered at the ceremony, were killed by local youths while on a peace mission in Delta State, an event that has sparked widespread mourning and discussion about the risks faced by military personnel in conflict zones within the country.
Beyond the honours, President Tinubu announced significant measures to support the families of the slain soldiers, promising housing and full educational scholarships for their children up to the university level.
This pledge, detailed in a post by Dada Olusegun on X, includes future children and stipulates that all military pensions and emoluments be expedited within 90 days, a move aimed at alleviating the financial and emotional strain on the bereaved families.
