The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has described the recent killing of military personnel in Delta State as demoralising.
He noted that it was sad that those responsible for their deaths were those they swore to protect.
According to him, the personnel were on a legitimate duty when they met their death.
Lagbaja spoke at the burial ceremony for the slain personnel in Abuja on Wednesday.
He also said that a total of 21 children had been orphaned and 10 women widowed by the actions of the culprits.
Lagbaja, however, sought the cooperation of the community to apprehend the culprits of the heinous crime.