President Bola Tinubu, in a somber ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Abuja today, paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the seventeen soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Okuama community of Delta State.
With heavy hearts and deep respect, the nation came together to honor these fallen heroes.
President Tinubu, addressing the gathering, expressed the nation’s gratitude for the soldiers’ selfless service and ultimate sacrifice. He stated, “These brave souls have displayed unparalleled courage in the face of adversity. Their dedication to our nation will never be forgotten.”
He wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously awarded the 17 heroes of the Okuama massacre with National Honours
“The 4 ranking officers have been awarded with the Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The remaining 13 officers have been awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).”
Tinubu posthumously conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger on the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali;
Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976);
Maj D.E Obi (N/14395) and
Capt U Zakari (N/16348).
He also conferred the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger on SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974);
Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274);
Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853);
LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844);
LCpl Sola 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) and
Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).