TheCable

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the killing of 16 army personnel in Delta state.

The officers, who were on a peacekeeping mission, were killed by youths on March 14 in Okuama community.

“The Commission strongly condemns this cowardly act. It expresses its deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers as well as to the Armed Forces, the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” ECOWAS said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“The Commission prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers and wishes the injured quick recovery.

“The Commission calls on the authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder of the soldiers and apprehend the perpetrators with the view to bringing them to justice.”

ECOWAS also urged the warring communities to eschew all forms of violence and amicably resolve their differences. 

President Bola Tinubu said he had authorised the chief of defence staff to bring to justice anybody found responsible for the “unconscionable crime”.

Tinubu also said the deceased soldiers would be conferred with national honours and given a befitting burial.