On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu bestowed national posthumous awards on 17 military personnel who were slain in the Okuama area of Delta State.
During the interment at the Military Cemetery in Abuja, President Tinubu also declared that scholarships and houses would be provided for the children and families of the deceased military members.
The officers and soldiers fell victim to criminals in the riverine community on March 14, 2024, while on a peacekeeping mission between the conflicting Okuama and Okoloba communities.
Four of the fallen officers received the Members of the Order of the Niger (MON) honor, and 13 soldiers were awarded Officers of the Federal Republic medals.
“These men join the esteemed ranks of servicemen and women who have defended our nation and safeguarded their fellow citizens, regardless of the danger to themselves. They have been posthumously honored with National Honours. Four valiant officers have received the Members of the Order of Niger (MON) award, and 13 brave soldiers have been decorated with the Officers of the Federal Republic medals,” stated Tinubu.
He remarked that the valiant soldiers will be remembered as patriots who heeded the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice.
“Our responsibility now is to care for the families of our fallen heroes. The Federal Government commits to providing housing for the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.
Additionally, the government has sanctioned scholarships for all children of the deceased, up to university level, including unborn children.
We urge the military to ensure that all entitlements of the fallen are fulfilled within the next 90 days,” the President announced.
