News Editor
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Condemns killings, caution against quick military involvement in civil matters
By David Odama
As Uneasy calm pervades the coastal districts of Bayelsa and Delta states steming from the killing of 17 soldiers suspected to have been murdered by some militant youths of Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State last Thursday. Former Director General of National Orientation Agency, Dr Mike Omeri, has described the incidence as an attack on the nation’s entire security architecture.
Dr Omeri also said the murder of 17 military officers was not only an aberration on the sanctity of the nation’s security but an attack on the country’s security architecture, which has been greatly undermined and should attract the attention of all concerned including citizens and other security agencies.
Reacting to the gruesome murder of the military officers while speaking with journalists in Karu, Nasarawa Stste, Omeri said it was not healthy for soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the nation’s safety to be gruesomely murdered by miscreants or anyone at all instead extending respect and honour for their commitment to nation’s peace and stability hence, the culprits must be fished out and dealt with appropriately.
The former DG, however, cautioned against the quick deployment of the army in police matters suggesting that communal clashes were civil matters as such should be handled by civil defence or the police as first responders except otherwise necessary.
He called for extensive investigation of the incident and adequate punishment of culprits respectfully, while urging for calm and partnership towards funding solutions.
He called on the nation to constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our country safe, strong, and united.
“Seventeen military officers, bread winners of their various families, men who are sacrificing for the existence of Nigeria is not a small number. The fact that they were on a peacekeeping mission makes it further depressing. Delta state is known for its relative peace. Such an occurrence should be the last of its kind,” Omeri stated
“Whatever led to the killings could have been handled with dialogue and peace. These are people who defend our nation and must be accorded all the respect they deserve.
According to the former NOA DG, who noted with deep sadness, the needless and gruesome murder of the military personnel in Delta state, the officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.
“There was urgent need to investigate and apprehend perpetrators of the gruesome killing in delta state.”
“I join other Nigerians to commiseratewith the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Gwabin Musa and the entire Armed Forces of our nation for the loss and urge the federal government to ensure that the perpetrators are fished out to serve as a deterrent while the families of the deceased are not left behind.
“I also commend the President, Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for standing against bullying of the Armed Forces by criminals in this trying moment.
