Categories: Benue news

Ortom begs families of 12 slain soldiers in Benue for forgiveness

The Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom has apologised to the families of 12 soldiers killed in Bonta village in Konshisha, saying he got the numbers wrong in an earlier claim that only two soldiers were involved.

In particular, he asked forgiveness from families of the slain soldiers uncomplimentary comments he may have made in the course of the situation, noting that he said that based on the information available to him at that time.

“If I said anything that was offensive to the families, I ask for their forgiveness,” he said.

“I earlier said only two soldiers were involved based on the information available to me at that time.”

He also apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari and the chief of army staff.

Ortom made the apology at the burial of the slain military personnel at the Military Cemetery in Wurukum area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The bodies of the 12 military personnel including one Captain Adeolu Adedayo and 11 soldiers were interred in the presence of the Governor, Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Adeyemi Yekini, the Commanding Officer, 72 Battalion, other military personnel as well as family members of the deceased soldiers.

“We condemn the killing of the soldiers who were out to maintain peace. Attack on security men is attack on all. The attack was uncalled for and unwarranted,” he said.

“They were out to keep peace and got killed in the process otherwise, we all know what soldiers would ordinarily do in such a situation,” he said.

The governor passionately appealed to the families of the deceased soldiers to forgive him for uncomplimentary comments he may have made in the course of the situation, noting that he said that based on the information available to him at that time.

At the funeral service, Chaplain of 72 Battalion, Major Ibrahim Mavisky, as well as the Imam, Captain AA Bashir, both emphasised that there is time to be born and time to die stressing, “We brought nothing to this world and we shall surely leave with nothing.”

The clerics added, “These people died innocently and without any offense. It is the promise of God that each of us has a stipulated time to go. We will all go back to God someday and explain how we live our lives. God will console the entire Nigerian Army and the immediate families they left behind.

“The slain soldiers were out to serve the nation but were cut short. We therefore pray for their souls and that God should grant them eternal rest.”

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families

Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…

20 hours ago

Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert

Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…

20 hours ago

2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…

20 hours ago

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024

The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…

20 hours ago

NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…

20 hours ago

‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…

21 hours ago