Nigerian President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to the slain soldiers, honoring them as "gallant patriots" who sacrificed their lives, stating they will always be remembered for paying "the ultimate price."

Seventeen Nigerian soldiers, including a senior commander, were laid to rest following their deaths at the hands of a group of youth in Delta, a southern state of Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred on March 14, prompted widespread condemnation and drew attention to the dangers faced by security forces in maintaining peace and security, as emphasized by President Bola Tinubu.

Deployed to address communal conflicts in the Bomadi area of Delta state, the troops found themselves surrounded and attacked by local youths, resulting in their tragic deaths, according to military reports.

The Nigerian president, accompanied by senior officials such as military chiefs, state governors, the defense minister, and MPs, led a solemn ceremony to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.

Emotions ran high as tears flowed during the poignant event. The caskets, adorned in the striking green-white-green Nigerian colors, were solemnly lowered into the ground at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

Grieving families of the deceased were also in attendance, bidding farewell to their loved ones and providers in a somber display of respect.

President Tinubu has granted scholarships to all children of the fallen soldiers, extending the support even to unborn children, as some of the soldiers' wives are reported to be pregnant.

In addition to providing scholarships for the children of the fallen soldiers, President Tinubu announced government assistance in housing for their families. He mandated military authorities to settle all financial entitlements to the families within 90 days.

Describing the attack as a direct assault on the nation, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for the slain soldiers, vowing that their perpetrators would face consequences.

The Niger-Delta region, where the tragedy occurred, has long grappled with militancy and communal conflicts driven by disputes over oil wealth distribution and land compensation for oil spills. While significant progress has been made in quelling violence and protecting oil infrastructure in recent years, security challenges persist not only in the Niger-Delta but also in other parts of Nigeria.