President Bola Tinubu has conferred national posthumous awards on 17 military personnel killed in the Okuama area of Delta State.
The soldiers were murdered on March 14, 2024, while on a peace mission to the warring Okuama and Okoloba communities in the area.
“Each of the men now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risks to their own lives,” Tinubu said on Wednesday, March 27 at the military cemetery in Abuja.
Four slain officers were awarded the honour of Members of the Order of the Niger (MON) while 13 slain soldiers were honoured with Officers of the Federal Republic medals.
“They have all been awarded a posthumous National Honor. Four gallant officers have been accorded the award of Members of the Order of Niger (MON). The 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been awarded the officers of the federal republic medals,” Tinubu added.
The President also announced scholarships and house gifts for the children and families of the slain military personnel.
“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes. The Federal Government will provide housing in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers that were among them,” he said.
Furthermore, the Federal Government has approved scholarships to all children of the deceased up to university level, including those who are in the womb. The President appealed to the military to ensure that all benefits of the departed are paid within the next 90 days.
Tinubu said the gallant soldiers would be remembered as patriots who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price. Their sacrifice and bravery will forever be etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
