Tears As Lt.-col Abu-ali, Six Other Soldiers Laid To Rest

BEVERLY HILLS, November 07, (THEWILL) – The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, could not control his tears on Monday as he read the funeral oration at the graveside of Muhammad Abu-Ali, a Lieutenant Colonel, and six military men killed by the Boko Haram terrorists.

THEWILL recalls that Abu-Ali and some of his men were killed by Boko Haram insurgents in a night raid at Mallam Fatori, Borno state, last Friday.  

The six other soldiers are Seargents Muazu Ibrahim, Bassey Okon, Hussani Jafaru, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Private Salisu Lawal and Seaman Patrick Paul.

“They were brave, precise, professional and inspiring,” Buratai declared at the brief national funeral held at the National Cemetery, Abuja.

“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.

“They 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.

“They fought for the unity of the nation.
“Your labour will never be in vain.”
He also promised that the army would take care of their survivors.

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.

Story by Oputah David