The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has sought support for the military especially the family of the slain soldiers who were on a peace mission to Okuoma in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The monarch made this disclosure at his palace in Benin, the Edo State capital, when the new Commander of 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, visited him.
Grieved over the incident, he extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Army.
The first-class monarch called on Nigerians to support the families of the slain officers and men of the Nigerian Army to overcome the grief.
He extended his best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his enduring commitment to duties.
“I think the Army should be appreciated by Nigerians for what they are doing. I want to quickly express our condolences to the Army over the killings that happened recently in Okuoma. It was terrible.
“We have heard different versions of what happened. Whatever story they are going to say doesn’t really justify the soldiers being killed like that.
“I think Nigerians should support the Army. The Army is seen to be disciplined. It is a Force to be reckoned with, and should not be treated anyhow,” the renowned traditional ruler said.
Oba Ewuare II equally prayed to God and his ancestors to protect the Nigeria Armed Forces and other security agents along with their families from harm’s way.
