President Bola Tinubu has ordered elders in Okuama, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, to fish out the culprits involved in the killing of 17 troops of the Nigerian Army.

The military personnel were killed by irate youths during a communal clash over a land dispute.

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According to the report, the personnel attached to the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed.

After the killing, there were reports that the military was planning a reprisal on the communities involved.

However, denying the allegation, the Defence headquarters slammed the community and stressed that no amount of propaganda would stop culprits from being nabbed.

Speaking Wednesday in Abuja at the burial ceremony of the military personnel, Tinubu said the slain personnel had been awarded posthumous national honours.

He said: “They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). The thirteen courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.

“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.

“The elders and chiefs of Okuama also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.

“I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuama or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.” (Daily Trust)