The House of Representatives has mandated the Armed Forces of Nigeria to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing of 17 military personnel in Delta State. The decision was made during a plenary session, where members also urged the military to abide by international engagement standards and cease the burning of houses in the affected community.
Francis Waive, a member of the House, emphasized the importance of international engagement and urged the military to put an end to reprisal attacks. The House resolution further urged the military to collaborate with relevant authorities to apprehend all perpetrators and their accomplices.
The motion for urgent national importance was moved by Babajimi Benson, who expressed deep sadness over the brutal murder of the military personnel. Benson highlighted that the soldiers were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and killed, with their bodies desecrated.
In a show of solidarity, the House observed a minute of silence in honor of the slain military personnel and called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected community.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Nigeria commenced three days of national mourning for the fallen soldiers. Flags were flown at half-mast across all military formations nationwide as a mark of respect.
Civil society groups have also weighed in on the matter, calling for an unbiased investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident. They emphasized the importance of revisiting a petition submitted by the community to the state government prior to the attack.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) appealed against reprisal actions on communities, citing past incidents where military reprisals resulted in civilian casualties. RULAAC urged the military to conduct operations in compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights principles, emphasizing the protection of civilians.
As investigations unfold and mourning continues, stakeholders are hopeful for justice and accountability in addressing the tragic loss of lives and ensuring the safety of communities affected by the violence.
