Tears, emotions as slain Col. Abu Ali laid to rest in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai led other military officers to pay the last respect to the slain Lt Col Abu Ali and other soldiers on Monday at the National Cemetery, Abuja.

In tears, the COAS and other senior officers wept for the young officers whose lives were terminated by the Boko Haram insurgents when they attempted to seize Mallam Fatori on November 4.

Those killed in the bizarre attack include Lt.-Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali, Seargents Muazu Ibrahim, Bassey Okon, Hussani Jafaru, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Private Salisu Lawal and Seaman Patrick Paul.

Reading his funeral oration at the graveside, the Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said they fought gallantly.

The soldiers were deployed into the Operation Lafiya Dole in 2014, designed to fight the Boko Haram insurgents and liberate the North-East from their hold.

Buratai said, “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.”

He said that 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 adding that “your labour will never be in vain”.

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.

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, the wife of the late Lt Col Abu Ali and children among others.

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The deceased were interred about 5.55 pm after all necessary military ceremonies.