Boko Haram Massacre: Slain Col. Abu Ali, others for national burial

By OKOSUN DENNIS

The remains of the slain Lt Col Mohammed Abu Ali and four soldiers killed last Friday by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno state will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery today (Monday) in Abuja.

The burial at the National Cemetery, Umaru Musa ‘Yar’adua road, Abuja, will take place by 5pm.

Making the announcement, the Army spokesperson, Col Sani Usman in Abuja, it was gathered that the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, the Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Baba Buhari and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello would lead the Federal Government delegation to the burial.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari says the sacrifices of fallen officers and men in the war against terrorism in Nigeria would never go in vain, and that their memories would be eternally etched in the hearts and minds of fellow citizens for whose sake they laid down their lives.

Reacting to the death Colonel Abu Ali, one of Nigeria’s finest and bravest soldiers in recent history, President Buhari said in a condolence statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, that he was rudely shocked by the news of the officer’s death along with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with the Boko Haram bandits in Borno State.

According to the President, “a courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle, no matter the risks or the obvious danger.”

He explained that the late Colonel Abu Ali “was an extraordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded”, adding that “one of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face of danger.”

In his passionate condolence to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Army, the President also noted that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage.”

He then called on members of the armed forces not to let the tragic incident to dampen their morale and spirit, adding that under no circumstances should the Boko Haram terrorists be allowed to destroy the will of our troops.

Similarly, the Defence Minister Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali described the death of Lt Col Abu-Ali as tragic and unfortunate development in the theatre of operations.

In a statement, Col Tukur Gusau, Public Relations officer to the Defence Minister added that Lt Col Abu-Ali was a major pillar in the war against terrorism and insurgency in the North East. He also expresses his condolences to the father of the deceased Etsu of Bassa- Nge Kingdom (Kogi state) Brig Gen Abu-Ali (Rtd), his young family and the Nigerian Army.