The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, yesterday, expressed grief over the horrible massacre of 16 Nigerian Army personnel who were on a peace mission to Okuama Community, Ughelli North Local Council of Delta State.
The monarch equally called on Nigerians to support bereaved families of the slain personnel.
Oba Ewuare II sent his condolences to victims of the recent tragedy when the 4-Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Oduyebo, paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Benin City, Edo State.
The traditional ruler also expressed his best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, for his enduring dedication to duty.
The Oba of Benin said: “I think the army should be appreciated by Nigerians for what they are doing. I want to quickly express our condolences to the army on the killings that happened recently in Okuama. It was terrible.
“We have heard different versions of what happened. Whatever story they are going to say doesn’t really justify the killing of soldiers.
“I think Nigerians should support the army. The army is being seen to be disciplined. It is a force to be reckoned with and should not be treated anyhow.”
MEANWHILE, the Convener, Society Concerns, Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, has issued a passionate plea to all patriotic citizens of Nigeria to unite against the senseless killing of security operatives, disclosing that a weeklong campaign against the dastardly act would be carried out between April 20 and 27, 2024
In a statement, yesterday, Oluwapelumi emphasised that no one has the right to unlawfully take the life of another, especially those who serve to protect the nation.
Highlighting the importance of respecting the privilege and authority vested in security personnel while in uniform, she stressed the need for widespread education on this matter.
Oluwapelumi said: “It’s time to focus on nation-building and reject the destructive path of violence.
“We cannot expect progress when we perpetrate violence against our own. Nigeria’s future depends on our collective commitment to unity and peace.”
To address this pressing issue, Oluwapelumi launched the “Societal Concerns Endurance Walk” campaign aimed at raising awareness and rallying support to end the illegal killing of security personnel.
The theme of the campaign, ‘Protect Our Protectors, Preserving Our Unity,’ underscores the imperative of safeguarding those who risk their lives to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
