From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has expressed grief over the massacre of 16 Nigerian Army personnel who were on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Oba sent his condolences to victims of the recent tragedy when the 4 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Ebenezer Oduyebo, visited his palace in Benin, Edo State.
The monarch said there was no justification for the killings and called on Nigerians to support bereaved families of the slain personnel to overcome the grief, insisting there is nothing to sound pedagogic about.
He also expressed his best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, for his enduring dedication to duty.
“I think the Army should be appreciated by Nigerians for what they are doing. I want to quickly express our condolences to the Army over the killings that happened recently in Okuoma. It was terrible.
“We have heard different versions of what happened. Whatever story they are going to say doesn’t really justify the soldiers being killed like that.
“I think Nigerians should support the Army. The Army is seen to be disciplined. It is a Force to be reckoned with, and should not be treated anyhow,” the Oba said, and prayed to God and his ancestors to protect the Nigeria Armed Forces and other security agents along with their families from harm’s way. Oduyebo pledged his loyalty to the Oba for adding a touch of glamour to royalty and solicited his blessings, prayer and cooperation.
The military officer said his prayer request was necessitated by the command philosophy of the chief of army staff, with highly motivated Forces that discharge their constitutional responsibilities.