President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday said the Federal Government will provide housing to each of the families of the fallen heroes anywhere they choose within the country.
Tinubu said this in Abuja during the burial of the soldiers killed in Okuama community, Delta State in March.
The president also awarded the children of the fallen heroes full educational scholarships to the University level including the yet-to-be-born.
Tinubu also ordered the Military Pensions Board to ensure all their emoluments must be paid within 90 days.
The president posthumously awarded the 17 heroes of the Okuama massacre with National Honours. The 4 ranking officers were awarded the Member of the Order of Niger (MON) while the remaining 13 officers were awarded the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
“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. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come,” Tinubu said.
Suspected residents of Okuama community on Thursday, March 14, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers.
The military initially said a total of 16 soldiers were killed but on Monday, it posted the names and photos of 17 soldiers including the commander (a lieutenant colonel), two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.
The military confirmed the killing of the soldiers who were in the community on a peacekeeping mission on Saturday.
The Okuama community was attacked and many houses there were burnt on the day after. The military denied any involvement in the alleged attack on the community.
Tinubu said the slain soldiers “went as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.”
“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns, and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace,” Tinubu said.
“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 price.”
