ECOWAS condemns killing of army personnel in Delta

 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the killing of 16 army personnel in Delta state.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said it is a cowardly act. It also expressed condolences and sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers as well as to the Armed Forces, the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Commission prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers and wishes the injured quick recovery.

It also called on the authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder of the soldiers and apprehend the perpetrators with the view to bringing them to justice.

ECOWAS urged the warring communities to eschew all forms of violence and amicably resolve their differences.

Recall that on March 14, some personnel of the Nigerian Army — comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers  were killed by youths while on a peace mission at Okuoma community in Delta, an oil-rich state where clashes between law enforcement and restive communities are rife.

Tinubu in reaction said he had authorised the chief of defence staff to bring to justice anybody found to be responsible for the “unconscionable crime”.

The president described the killing of the officers as a wicked act, adding that any attack on them is a direct attack on the nation.

Tinubu also said the deceased soldiers would be conferred with national honours and given a befitting burial.