In a solemn move, the Nigerian Senate convened a closed-door session on Wednesday, as top military chiefs were summoned to address the Senate Joint Committee on the tragic killings of military personnel in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The session began with a poignant minute of silence in honor of the deceased soldiers, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the nation’s loss.
The assembly, a direct response to last Thursday’s harrowing incident, saw the participation of high-ranking military officials, including Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja (Chief of Army Staff), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff), and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (Chief of Naval Staff), with General Christopher Musa (Chief of Defence Staff) being represented. This meeting was precipitated by the Senate’s directive on Tuesday, urging a thorough investigation into what it labeled a “dastardly act,” aiming to unearth both the immediate and remote causes behind the killings.
The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation, involved the ambush and murder of 17 military personnel, including a Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, a captain, and 12 battalion members, during a peace mission in the conflict-stricken area. These losses have not only been a blow to the military community but have also raised concerns over security and the persistent threats faced by those safeguarding the nation’s peace.
President Bola Tinubu has vehemently denounced the attack, labeling it an assault on the nation itself, and has issued orders to security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families, the President affirmed that the military is actively responding to the crisis, vowing that those responsible for the “heinous crime” will face the full weight of the law.
This episode, while highlighting the risks our soldiers face in maintaining peace and security, also serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s security architecture. As the investigation proceeds, the nation waits with bated breath for justice to be served, hoping for resolutions that will prevent such tragedies in the future.
