By TINA TIMOTHY

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has condemned the cold-blooded murder of 16 military personnel of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi LGA, Delta State.

Its National President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, in a statement on Saturday, March 16, 2024 lamented that the peace mission of the officers turned into a bloodbath, claiming the lives of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 valiant soldiers.

Describing the killing as an "unforgivable affront to our nation’s values", Okafor said AANI stands in solidarity with the military and the families of the slain heroes who paid the supreme price in quest for peace in Delta State and consequently demanded "swift and decisive action from both the Federal and Delta State governments" to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous act and ensure that they, as well as their community leaders, face the full force of the law.

The statement reads: "The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) vehemently condemns the spine-chilling assault on our brave troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Bomadi LGA, Delta State. Their peace mission turned into a bloodbath, claiming the lives of the unit’s leadership which include the courageous Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 valiant soldiers. This is an unforgivable affront to our nation's values, therefore our hearts bleed for the families of these fallen heroes and all Nigerians.

"Therefore, AANI stands in solidarity with our military and the families of these heroes who paid the supreme price in quest for peace in Delta State. Consequently, this despicable act of barbarism must not be swept under the rug. We demand swift and decisive action from both the Federal and Delta State governments. The perpetrators, including the community leaders, must face the full force of the law. No one who dares to spill the blood of our defenders and attacks Nigeria should escape justice. The perpetrators must face swift justice, with no leniency shown to those who dare to spill the blood of our beloved soldiers, for whatever reason.

"This cowardly attack not only dampens our spirits but also threatens future peace efforts as it strikes at the heart of our nation's resolve for peace. The government must take decisive measures to prevent such atrocities from recurring. The culprits, especially the youths involved, must be swiftly brought to justice. The traditional rulers overseeing this tragedy must face consequences for their negligence."

The institute applauded the unwavering Nigerian military who remains in their duty to protect and serve and commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his prompt response by directing an immediate investigation.

The statement continues: "AANI noted with admiration that despite this cowardly attack, our military remains unwavering in their duty to protect and serve. We therefore commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, for his prompt response, directing an immediate investigation. We therefore urge the authorities to expedite the process and ensure all involved face the full force of the law.

"We implore the Nigerian Armed Forces to stand united and resolute, ensuring that justice prevails, as we stand with you especially in this difficult time. Do not be deterred by this act of cowardice as your sacrifices will not be in vain."

AANI therefore called on the community to join hands with security agencies to prevent further tragedies and hand over the perpetrators of this horrific crime while also urging the Nigerian Armed Forces to stand united and resolute, ensuring that justice prevails, adding "that these gallant officers and soldiers' supreme sacrifice is not in vain."

Continuing, the statement said: "In further condemning this nefarious act of violence, we call upon the community to fully cooperate with security agencies to prevent further tragedies and hand over the perpetrators of this horrific crime. Let us honour the memory of our fallen heroes by working together to uphold peace and security in our nation.

"We further urge the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies not to be demoralised or deterred by this callous act and to stand united ensuring that these gallant officers and soldiers' supreme sacrifice is not in vain."

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