Breaking: Soldiers' deaths in the Delta are demoralizing - COAS

The recent deaths of military personnel in Delta State, according to Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, have been demoralizing.

He said it was unfortunate that the people who killed them were the ones they had vowed to defend.

He claimed that when the staff members died, they were performing their official duties.

Lagbaja gave a speech on Wednesday during the military funeral in Abuja.

Additionally, he stated that the perpetrators’ actions had left 10 mothers widowed and a total of 21 children orphaned.

However, Lagbaja asked for the community’s assistance in order to find and capture the people responsible for the horrible act.

Lagbaja said, “The Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian Army and, by extension, the Nigeria state – 10 windows (three of whom are 4, 5, and 8 months pregnant), 21 orphans, and many other dependents which include parents. While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian Army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold. We shall do all within our power to provide succor to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones.”

He promised that the offenders would be held accountable and stated that the Army will not be discouraged by the incidences.

He said, “I assure Mr. President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be deterred by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community. As tasked by Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to book and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, toward swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations.”