The pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the killing of 17 troopers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Military in Delta State.
The troopers had been on a peace mission to the Okuama group in Ughelli South Native Authorities Space on Thursday once they had been attacked.
In an announcement titled “Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Unleashed Wrath: A Stern Revengeful Warning,” issued on Tuesday by its Secretary-Common, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group described the Okuama bloodbath as “a tragic chapter stained in blood which has left Ndigbo in a state of deep mourning, profound sorrow, and unrelenting anger.”
“The callous and heinous act that claimed the lives of 17 troopers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State is a bitter reminder of the treachery that lurks amongst us,” the assertion learn.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo notably mourned the lack of Main DE Obi, an Igbo officer, and his comrades who sacrificed their lives in service.
“We hurl our unrestrained fury on the perpetrators of this vile slaughter, branding their actions as barbaric, satanic, and symbolic of cowardice,” the group stated.
Ohanaeze referred to as on the folks of Delta State to rise in unison and be certain that the killers are dropped at swift justice.
“The folks of Delta State should rise in unison to make sure that these armed killers are dropped at swift justice and face the overall weight of the legislation for his or her sins,” the assertion added.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo prolonged its sympathies to the grieving households and promised to immortalise the legacy of Main DE Obi and the opposite fallen troopers.
“Within the forthcoming 2024 Igbo Easter Retreat in Asaba, we are going to gentle the flames of tribute for Main DE Obi and the opposite 16 fallen troopers, immortalising their legacy within the annals of our historical past,” the group stated.
Moreover, the organisation expressed its help for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to deal with the nation’s financial and safety challenges.
“Moreover, we are going to bestow the best honour upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in solidarity and help for his management throughout these tumultuous occasions,” the assertion learn.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo additionally referred to as on the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Celebration, Labour Celebration, and New Nigeria Peoples Celebration within the 2023 election – Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, respectively – to put aside their variations and be a part of fingers with the Tinubu-led administration to search out options to the challenges confronting the nation.
“We name upon political stalwarts like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso to put aside their feuds and be a part of fingers in solidarity with Tinubu to steer our nation via the murky waters of financial and safety crises that threaten to engulf us,” the assertion urged.
The identification of the top of the Nigerian Military, three officers, and 12 troopers who had been killed by assailants had been made public on Monday when the Defence Headquarters uploaded their names and pictures on its X account.