The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Equate II, has expressed grief over the massacre of 16 Nigerian Army personnel who were said to be on a peace mission to Okuama Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Monarch sent his condolences to victims of the recent tragedy while playing host to the Commander, 4-Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Oduyebo, during a courtesy visit in Benin.
Oba Ewuare II stated that there was no justification for the killing of the people and called on Nigerians to support the families of the slain army personnel.
The traditional ruler also expressed his best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, for his enduring dedication to duty.
“I think the Army should be appreciated by Nigerians for what they are doing. I want to quickly express our condolences to the Army for the killings that happened recently in Okuoma. It was terrible!
“We have heard different versions of what happened. Whatever story they are going to tell doesn’t really justify the soldiers being killed like that.
“I think Nigerians should support the Army. The Army is being seen as disciplined. It is a Force to be reckoned with and should not be treated anyhow”, the Oba said
The first-class monarch prayed to God and his ancestors to protect the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agents, along with their families, from harm.
Earlier in his address, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Oduyebo pledged his loyalty to the Benin throne and commended it for adding a touch of glamour to Royalty, requesting prayers from the monarch
He said his prayer request was necessitated by the Command philosophy’ of the Chief of Army Staff, with highly motivated Forces that discharge its Constitutional responsibilities.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a plaque to the Royal Parsonage by Brigadier-General Ebenezer Oduyebo, who assumed duty at the 4-Brigade headquarters in Benin City on January 12, 2024.
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