The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared eight (8) persons wanted in connection to the murder of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports remains of the 17 military personnel, comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, were laid to rest on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
The 17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, and Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi.
The rest are Lance Corporal Bello Anas, Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.
Following the funeral, the DHQ declared Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (A.K.A Amagbem), Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Igoli Ebi, Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, and Reuben Baru wanted.
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We will hunt down those who killed soldiers in Delta – CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa had vowed that the military will hunt down those involved in the death of the officers and soldiers.
Musa made this known at the funeral of the 17 military personnel on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
The Defence Chief stressee that the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.
He said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.
Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.
He assured the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
“We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice. The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.
“Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.
“We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.
“Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.
“To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty. Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable.
“To the perpetrators of violence who seek to sow division and fear among our people, know this: our resolve will not waver.
“We will hunt you down, we will bring you to justice, and we will restore peace and security to every nook and cranny of our dear nation,” Musa said.