Tribute to the 17 Soldiers Killed in Delta State
By Kenneth Udoakpan
The recent tragic incident in Okuoma, Bomadi LGA of Delta State, where 17 soldiers killed in Delta state while on a peacekeeping mission, has sent shockwaves through the nation. The Nigerian Army, in a move to honor the fallen heroes, has released their names and ranks. This blog post serves as a tribute to these brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Incident On a fateful Thursday, a total of 17 military personnel, including high-ranking officers such as a lieutenant colonel, two majors, and a captain, along with 12 soldiers, were ambushed and killed in Okuoma. The Delta state government, as well as the federal government, swiftly condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, reports emerged of houses in the community being set ablaze, adding to the devastation caused by the loss of lives. The Nigerian Army, in a statement released on Monday, pointed towards members of the community as the masterminds behind the attack but emphasized that the troops would not retaliate.
Honoring the Fallen Heroes
The names and ranks of the 17 soldiers who paid the ultimate price have been disclosed by the Nigerian Army. Each of these individuals deserves to be remembered for their courage and selflessness. Let us take a moment to honor and pay tribute to these fallen heroes:
- AH Ali – Lieutenant Colonel (Commanding officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion)
- SD Shafa – Major
- DE Obi – Major
- U. Zakari – Captain
- Yahaya Saidu – Staff Sergeant
- Yahaya Danbaba – Corporal
- Kabiru Bashir – Corporal
- Bulus Haruna – Lance Corporal
- Sole Opeyemi – Lance Corporal
- Bello Anas – Lance Corporal
- Hamman Peter – Lance Corporal
- Ibrahim Abdullahi – Lance Corporal
- Alhaji Isah – Private
- Clement Francis – Private
- Abubakar Ali – Private
- Ibrahim Adamu – Private
- Adamu Ibrahim – Private
Remembering Their Service
Each of these individuals had families, dreams, and futures ahead of them. They chose to serve their country with honor and dedication, a choice that led them to make the ultimate sacrifice. It is important for us to remember and honor their service, bravery, and commitment to protecting their fellow citizens.
Impact on the Community
The loss of these 17 soldiers has not only affected their families and colleagues but has also left a deep impact on the community of Okuoma. The ripple effects of this tragedy will be felt for years to come, underscoring the sacrifices made by military personnel in volatile regions for the sake of peace and security.
Government Response
The swift condemnation and promise of justice from both the Delta state and federal governments highlight the seriousness of this incident. It is crucial for authorities to investigate thoroughly, identify the culprits, and ensure that such attacks are not repeated in the future.
Support for Families
In times of such immense loss, it is essential for the families of the fallen soldiers to receive adequate support and care. The government, as well as various support organizations, should extend their assistance to help these families cope with their grief and navigate through this challenging period.
As we reflect on the names and ranks of the 17 soldiers killed in Delta State, let us not forget the sacrifices they made for their country. Their memory should serve as a reminder of the dedication and bravery displayed by military personnel every day. May their souls rest in peace, and may their legacy live on as a symbol of honor and service to Nigeria.
References
By Emmanuel Egobiambu, Defence HQ Releases Names Of Military Personnel Killed In Delta State (FULL LIST), Published in the Channels.
By Hannah Johnson, DHQ releases names, photos of soldiers killed in Delta attack Published in Punch