The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said on Wednesday that the 17 Nigerian soldiers murdered in Delta State on March 14, 2024, left behind 10 widows, three of whom were pregnant, and 21 orphans.
This comes after President Bola Tinubu, who was the special guest of honor at the burial ceremony at the Military Cemetery, said that the slain soldiers would receive posthumous national honors.
Speaking in a sad tone as the murdered military officers were buried, Lagbaja disclosed that the three women were four, five, and eight months pregnant, respectively.
Lagbaja said, “Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian Army and, by extension, the Nigerian state—10 windows (three of whom are 4, 5, and 8 months pregnant), 21 orphans, and many other dependents, which include parents.
“While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian Army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold. We shall do all within our power to provide succour to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones.”
