The remains of 17 military personnel who tragically lost their lives in Okuama community, Delta State, on March 14 have arrived at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja for their final resting place.
At approximately 2:26 pm on Wednesday, the bodies were transported to the cemetery by Military Ambulance Emergency vehicles and FCT Ambulance Emergency services, accompanied by top government officials and military leaders from various formations across the country. The presence of President Bola Tinubu is eagerly anticipated to pay respects to the fallen heroes.
Devastated family members, relatives of the slain personnel, and wives of other military officers have gathered at the cemetery to bid farewell to their loved ones.
The incident leading to the tragic loss of lives occurred when troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, stationed in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, responded to a distress call amidst communal unrest between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities. Unfortunately, angry youths from the Okuoma community ambushed and killed the troops. Thirteen soldiers, one captain, two majors, and a lieutenant colonel are among the fallen heroes.
Major S.D. Shafa (N/13976), Major D.E. Obi (N/14395), Lieutenant Colonel A.H. Ali, and Captain U. Zakari (N/16348) are the officers who gave their lives in combat.
The following soldiers lost their lives: Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844), Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974), Corporal Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274), Corporal Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853), Lance Corporal Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719), and Lance Corporal Bello Anas (17NA/76/290).
Additional names on the list are Private Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911), Private Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162), Private Adamu (19NA/78/6079), Private Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795), Lance Corporal Hamman Peter (NA/T82653), and Lance Corporal Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191).
