The Nigerian Army has fixed a date for the burial of 17 soldiers killed by gunmen who were on a peacekeeping mission in Delta State.
The Army in a statement issued on Tuesday noted that the soldiers killed in the Okuama community in Delta State will be buried on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
The burial is scheduled to take place at the National Cemetery, Abuja, by 3 pm.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is billed to be the Special Guest of Honour at the burial ceremony.
Earlier, the president condemned the killing, saaying the perpetrators, whom he described as “cowardly” must not go unpunished.
He added that the killing is “unprovoked” and “dreadful”.
“As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers,” Tinubu said.
“I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”
Also, speaking at the breaking of the Ramadan fast last Wednesday in Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, Tinubu promised to honour the slain soldiers with national awards.
“I will soon make further pronouncements. They must have a befitting burial and they must have national honour.”
This report is developing, more details will be shared on the Intel Region WhatsApp group as soon as possible.