Three-Day National Mourning Begins as Nigerian Armed Forces Honor Fallen Heroes in Delta State

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have initiated a three-day national mourning period to honor the 17 soldiers who were killed during a communal clash between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The fallen heroes were deployed on a “peaceful and mediatory mission” when they were attacked and killed by angry youths.

Among the deceased are Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion Oleh, Major Gembu Shafa, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander in Bomadi, along with another Major and a Captain.

To pay tribute to these brave personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, flags will be flown at half-mast across all military installations nationwide.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has issued a directive to the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, requesting that all colors, or flags, be flown at half-mast from March 18, 2024, to March 20, 2024, in honor of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) personnel Killed In Action (KIA).

In response to the tragic incident, the Nigerian Army has warned the Okuama community in Delta State that they should be prepared to face the full force of legal consequences for their actions.

This statement serves as a reminder that the Nigerian military will not tolerate any form of violence or aggression against its personnel, and those responsible for the deaths of the soldiers will be held accountable under the law.

The three-day national mourning period and the lowering of flags to half-mast across military installations serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the country.