The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, wept
on Monday as he read the funeral oration at the
graveside of the seven military men killed by the Boko
Haram terrorists.
They are: late Lt.-Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali, Seargents
Muazu Ibrahim, Bassey Okon, Hussani Jafaru, Cpl.
Chukwu Simon, Private Salisu Lawal and Seaman Patrick
Paul.
They died when the terrorists attempted to seize Mallam
Fatori on Nov. 4 in an attack.
The soldiers were inducted into the Operation Lafiya Dole
in 2014, designed to fight the Boko Haram insurgents
and liberate the North-East from their hold.
“They were brave, precise, professional and inspiring.
They led the battle to recapture the following towns:
Monguno, Baga, new Marte, Bama, Gwoza, Banki
Junction, Gamboru-Ngala, Yale, Yanteke, Bita, Deruwa,
Daira Kangaruwa and Mallam Fatori.
“In these battles, they rescued children and women,
fathers and mothers, the young and the old and restored
peace and hope to Nigerian citizens.
At last, on Nov. 4, they paid the supreme sacrifice in the
battle of Mallam Fatori,’’ Buratai said.
According to him, the deceased epitomised the very
best of our military. They exemplified the values of our
nation and the military which are: loyalty, discipline,
courage, selfless service, respect, honour and dignity.
Buratai said that the deceased fought for the unity of the
nation, adding that “your labour will never be in vain”.
He promised that the army would take care of their
survivors.
Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was
represented by his Chief of Staff at the occasion, Alhaji
Abba Kyari, said the deceased had shown unalloyed
commitment to the nation.
“They were fearless, responsive, inspiring, selfless and
dedicated to their duties.
“The selflessness of these gentlemen reinvigorate the
memories of other great fallen heroes, who stood firm in
the defence of our dear nation,’’ the president said.
Buhari noted that the deceased had paid the supreme
sacrifice in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the
North-East, adding that their sacrifices would not go in
vain.
He also noted that their contributions had resulted in the
restoration of normalcy in the region.
“It is, therefore, our resolve that the labour of these
fallen heroes shall never be in vain,’’ he said, adding that
insurgency and terrorism would be defeated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
dignitaries that attended the funeral included the service
chiefs, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, Ministers of
Information and culture, and Interior, and Senators Ali
Ndume, Dino Melaye and Phillip Aduda.
Also at the burial were the Wife of the President, Aisha
Buhari, and Wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki,
among others.
The deceased were interred at about 5.55 p.m. after all
necessary military ceremonies. (NAN)
