*'Their death should be probed'
Senator Iroegbu
It was all tears and emotional farewell as the remains of the two
officers and 13 soldiers of the Nigerian Army, who died in the ongoing
operations against terrorists in some northern states of Nigeria known
as Operation Boyona, and in Peace Support Operations in Darfur, Sudan
were laid to rest.
Eleven of these heroes lost their lives in operations in the
North-east, three were killed in operations in other parts of the
North and one died, while serving on peace keeping mission with the
United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID).
President Goodluck Jonathan, while paying his last respect to the
fallen officers and soldiers yesterday, at the burial ceremony at the
National Military Cemetery, Abuja, assured that their death was notin
vain.
Jonathan, who was represented at the occasion by Vice-President Namadi
Sambo said the country would keep introducing new strategies to defeat
the Boko Haram terrorist.
He said: "We are gathered here on a sad note to bury our gallant
officers and men, who have sacrificed their lives to the peace and
progress our nation. On several occasions and in different fora, I
have reiterated the commitment of this administration to strengthen
and improve on the nation's security capabilities, to enable us
confront challenges of the 21st century. As a result, this
administration has steadfastly been involved in and implemented
policies and measures to tackle the country's current developmental
challenges especially the Boko Haram terrorist insurgency.
"Accordingly, state of emergency was declared in three states in May
this year and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was mandatedto deploy
troops to take all necessary actions in this case within theambit of
their rules of engagement to end the impunity of insurgency and
terrorism."
"We are here gathered to lay to rest the remains of two officers and13
soldiers, who gallantly paid the supreme price as a result of the
declaration. I want to reiterate that their sacrifices shall not and
willnever be in vain. Indeed for us the loss is a thing of regret, but
we take solace in the fact that we are winning the war. They shall
rest in peace knowing that members of the armed forces--you must
appreciate them--the military professions is a hazardous job and in
conflict like this there are bound to be casualties including death."
"Rather than dispel and loose focuse of our objective, it is incumbent
on us to respect and honour the dead by giving them a befitting
burial, while we keep strategising to defeat the enemy. We are,
therefore, gathered here to pay our last respect to our departed
heroes. May their soul rest in peace," he added.
The president also assured the families of the deceased officers and
soldiers of their full entitlements and benefits, adding: "That the
country will not forsake you in this trying times."
" I have conferred with the CDS and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and
I want to assure you that all the entitlements due to you shall be
promptly settled. All other welfare issues shall also be dully taken
care of," he said.
Also, the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Olusola Obada, commended
the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially thecontribution
of the dead officers and soldiers towards peace, stabilityand
upholding the territorial integrity of the country.
Obada noted that the rest of the country should emulate what the
deceased stood for, which was life of "sacrifice and selflessness" in
defence of the country.
She said: "As members of the armed forces and the Nigerian nation, we
must be proud of the sacrifice of this gentlemen who proudly show case
the great spirit and tenacity required to save ournation from
destructive elements.
"Though the dreams of a fulfilling career of this gentlemen have
beencut short, the present security challenges facing the country will
still demand of us courage, selflessness and great commitment. Let us
be comforted that they are resting in the blossom of the lord."
In the same vein, the COAS, Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, said thefallen
heroes made the country proud and contributed to the current success
against the Boko Haram terrorist.
Ihejirika re-echoed the sentiment that the deceased did not die in
vain and assured their families of full support of the Nigerian Army.
He further assured that the Nigerian Army would not relent but press
on to defeat terrorism, which would be the greatest honour to the
fallen soldiers and officers.
These heroes were outstanding throughout their career with marked
sense of responsibility, doggedness, devotion to duty and commitmentto
global peace. Let me assure you that the Nigerian Army will ensure
that the Next of Kins of these deceased personnel get all their
deserved benefits and timely too", he said.
But despite the eulogy and assurances, the rush of grief overwhelmed
family members of the deceased, as they cried uncontrollably.
Speaking on behalf of these families, the next of kin of the most
senior officers of the fallen heroes, Mr. Ilyasu Joshua, while
commending the federal government and Nigerian Army for the honour to
their late brothers, also called on the authorities to investigate the
cause of their death.
Joshua insisted that the events leading to the death of some of them
were suspicious as they were never part of the soldiers initially
ordered for deployment in the state of emergency areas.
Other officers and soldiers are Major Abdullahi Kanoma, SSGT Keku
Adebayo, CPL Ahmed Usman, CPL Mathew Ade, LCPL Adamu Ibrahim, LCPL
Suleiman Gimba, LCPL Salisu Sadauki, LBDR Usman David, LCPL Ajani
Olusola, PTE Zakariya Dauda, PTE Daniel Kantoma, PTE Nya Bassey, PTE
Bassey Emmanuel, and PTE Enyenihi Effiong.
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