By steve anyebe.
As controversies surrounding the death and mutilation of some Officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Delta State linger on, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute for Peace and Conflicts Resolution, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, has called for a thorough investigation into the case and speedy apprehension of the perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others.
He said in a recent press release, at the heels of the killing of some sixteen soldiers who allegedly went to rescue a kidnapped victim around Okuama Community in Ewu of Ugheli Local Government Area, that support for the Nigerian military should be total if they are to succeed in the very arduous task of securing the country by ensuring peace and stability, instead of compounding the lingering insecurity by the senseless killing of soldiers on peace mission. The DG described the incident as an unthinkable act in complete contrast to the prevailing prayers for national peace to ensure development, adding that the killing had become a very sad commentary on the international image of Nigeria even as the Government of President Bola Tinubu has been seriously engaging effective strategies, through his Renewed Hope Agenda to end insecurity.
Dr Ochogwu opined that security personnel who are all over Nigeria, trying their best to secure the citizenry from both internal and external aggression, should be praised, supported, and prayed for, to boost their morale, instead of being killed.
“The bravery and commitment of our soldiers exemplify the highest virtue of patriotism, courage and sacrifice, and they should be supported to boost their morale to do more for the country. In as much as we urge them not to relent despite the daunting challenges, our security personnel need nothing less than total support from the citizens of this country and should not be looked down on or disrespected by whoever just has access to guns. A country that is not at war losing sixteen soldiers in one fell swoop is not acceptable no matter what. Action like this should be checkmated to deter others who are nursing, or plotting action against our gallant security men and women. Every right thinking Nigerian must condemn the Okuama Massacre”, fumed Dr. Ochogwu.
While joining millions to sympathise with the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the entire Nigerian Army, he nevertheless urged them to remain professional and continue to exhibit their usual resilience, dedication, commitment, and sense of responsibility as has always been their tradition when defending their fatherland against agents of destabilisation.
