Seventeen Nigerian soldiers killed in an ambush on March 14th were buried on Wednesday with full military honors at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. The soldiers, including the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and twelve soldiers, were killed in Okuama, Delta State while responding to a distress call over a local conflict.
The somber ceremony was attended by President Bola Tinubu, who served as the Special Guest of Honor. In a speech, he expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and commended their bravery 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 were draped in the Nigerian flag and carried by their comrades. Family members, dignitaries, and fellow soldiers filled the cemetery, their faces etched with grief. The ceremony included a gun salute, hymns, and speeches that paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
President Tinubu and the military authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. The circumstances surrounding the ambush remain under investigation.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
