The Senate has called on the Nigerian Military and the Federal Government to immediately compensate families of deceased soldiers, who were killed at Okuama in Delta State on March 14.

This followed a Point of Order by Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar Adua(Katsina-APC) and Sen. Ede Dafinone(Delta-PDP) on the incident.

The Senate also called on the federal government to ensure that perpetrators of the act faced the full wrath of the law.

It further called for immediate recruitment and training of Police officers to handle internal crisis, while the military continued to play its role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.

The Upper Chamber further called on the federal government to sensitise the public on their relationship with the military.

While presenting the point of order, Sen. Yar’Adua, said it was a matter of urgent national importance that required urgent investigation.

He stated the urgent need for justice and accountability.

Contributing, some lawmakers
called for tolerance, adding that the attack was regrettable.

They commended President Bola Tinubu for signing a press statement on the attack by himself.

They also commended the military for not calling for reprisal attack.

They equally said while the military did not have the power to kill and it was also not acceptable for anyone to kill soldiers.

The lawmakers called for caution in handling the matter to avoid a repeat of Odi massacre in 1999.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said the development was not only sad but disappointing.

“It is very worrisome and the Senate and society is concerned.

The matter is not just sensitive but horrifying and it portends danger even for the residents of the state.

He urged the relevant Senate committees to meet with the military and community for proper investigation and amicable resolution.

“If we leave it open without advising both sides the outcome will be terrible.

“We must find a way to reduce the military from internal security and allow Police do it.

“Culprits must be brought to book and the family must be consoled,”he said.