President Bola Tinubu has granted the military full authority to fish out the killers of 16 military personnel in Okuoma Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

This is even as Tinubu, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has vowed that perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go unpunished.

Recall that 16 soldiers and officers responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State were ambushed and killed on Thursday.

Among those killed were the Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, 12 soldiers, and one civilian.

In a personally signed statement on Sunday, Tinubu expressed grief over what he described as needless death of the gallant soldiers.

The president also extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, their colleagues and their loved ones.

The statement partly reads: “The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.

“This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage and uncommon grit and patriotism.

“As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our country safe, strong and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.

Members of our armed forces are at the heart and the core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.

“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

“My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquility in every part of Nigeria.”