Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has sympathised with the families of the 36 soldiers reportedly killed through terrorist ambush in Niger state, saying it’s both devastating and depressing.
The former Anambra State Governor who took to social media platforms to expressed his sadness over the attack on Thursday, saying he is saddened for families whose loved ones have continued to pay patriotic but very painful price in the fight against insecurity in the country
According to him, “The continued loss of lives of both our military men and other citizens to ceaseless insecurity is very painful. Once again, I commiserate with our military and security agencies whose personnel have continued to pay the supreme price for peace and security in our nation.
“To the fallen, we pray for eternal rest. To the bereaved families, we pray for succor. To the living active duty personnel, we urge you to remain courageous and resilient in the fight against the forces of evil”, the former Governor said.
Peter Obi appealed to Nigerians to unite as a people to subdue this monster of insecurity threatening the collective existence, saying without peace and security, no development is possible in any country.
“Fighting insecurity, squarely and resolutely, remains my first and abiding priority in the New Nigeria. For me, security, peace and progress remain cardinal precepts in the pursuit of a new national order.
“On these, I shall never flinch nor falter. To the heroes lost in this battle, God grant eternal rest. To the families that grief, we pray for consolation.
“To the rest of the nation, let the losses of today renew our resolve to ensure that the departed souls are not lost in vain. We shall never forget our lost heroes and their families. To rest of our compatriots, be assured that we shall overcome the reign of insecurity and the forces of insecurity”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has opened up on how 36 gallant officers were killed in Niger State, through the Defence Spokesman, Major General Edward Buba, said on Thursday that some of the casualties were killed by terrorists.
Terrorists had ambushed troops in the Zungeru region of the state, and some valiant soldiers paid the supreme price. At a biweekly briefing of the Defence Media Operations, Buba hinted that some of the troops also died when evacuation helicopter crashed on August 14, 2023, in the state.
Media Bypass News reported that Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed on Monday in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The Spokesman, who failed to provide the cause of the helicopter crash, hinted that investigation is still underway to determine the cause, enjoined citizens to be cautious of propaganda and fake news by terrorists, urging them to remain patriotic.