By Jethro Ibileke
The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Nigerians to support the bereaved families of the 16 officers and men of the Nigerian Army massacred by hoodlums at Okuoma community, Ughelli North local government area of Delta State.
The Monarch made the call when the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Oduyebo, paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Benin City.
He expressed grief over the horrible massacre of the 16 military operatives who were on a peace mission, noting that there was no justification for the killings.
“I think the Army should be appreciated by Nigerians a lot for what they are doing. I want to quickly express our condolences to the Army on 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 being seen to be disciplined. It is a force to be reckoned with and should not be treated anyhow,” Oba Ewuare II said.
The traditional ruler who expressed his best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, for his enduring dedication to duty, prayed for the protection of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agents along with their families from harm’s way.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Oduyebo, lauded the Oba for adding a touch of glamour to Royalty.
While pledging loyalty to the Benin Monarch, Gen. Oduyebo solicited for his blessings, prayer and cooperation to motivate the Forces to discharge their Constitutional responsibilities.
Highpoint of the visit was a presentation of a plaque to Oba Ewuare II by Brigadier-General Ebenezer Oduyebo, who assumed duty at the 4 Brigade headquarters in Benin City on 12 January 2024.