The House of Representatives on Tuesday, urged the military to abstain from retaliating against innocent residents of Delta State following the killing of their colleagues.
Last week, 17 military personnel were tragically killed in Okuama, a community located in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, following a peacekeeping mission.
During the consideration of a motion of urgent national importance presented by Honourable Babajimi Benson, the House expressed concern that the incident could potentially undermine military morale.
The House implored the military to adhere to the law and refrain from further retaliatory actions.
A moment of silence was observed by the lawmakers in honor of the fallen personnel, and they mandated security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.
The House Committee on Defence was tasked with leading the investigation and reconciliation efforts to prevent further escalation of the situation.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that the casualties included the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 personnel of the battalion.
The Defence Headquarters gave the names of those killed as:
– Lt Col AH Ali, the Command Officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army.
– Maj SD Shafa (N/13976)
– Maj DE Obi (N/14395)
– Capt U Zakari (N/16348)
– SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974)
– Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274)
– Col Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853)
– LCol Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844)
– Lal Sole Opeyemi (17NA/760719)
– LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290)
– LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653)
– LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191)
– Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079)
– Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911)
– Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162)
– Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079)
– Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).
The Okuama community was razed following the killing, however, the Nigerian Army assured residents of the area of no reprisal attacks.
“While law-abiding citizens are assured that there will be no reprisal on the part of the troops, we enjoin all to go about their normal activities, even as ongoing efforts are scaled up to positively identify and isolate the criminals to account for their atrocious deeds,” it said.