Buhari mourns military officers killed by Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said the
sacrifices of fallen officers and men in the war
against terrorism in Nigeria would never go in vain.
He said their memories would be eternally etched in
the hearts and minds of fellow citizens for whose
sake they laid down their lives.
According to a statement by his Senior Special
Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the
President was reacting to the death of Col. Abu Ali.
Shehu quoted Buhari as saying that he was
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.
The President said, “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.
“The late Colonel Abu Ali was an extraordinary
officer who inspired respect and adoration among
those he commanded.
“One of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the
ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face
of danger.”
The President said the late Ali and his other fallen
colleagues had brought glory to the army and the
country for laying down their lives for the sake of
others.
He noted that their heroic sacrifices were “so
immeasurable that no words can do justice to their
patriotism and remarkable courage.”
Buhari was said to have called late Ali’s father,
Brig.-Gen. Abu Ali (retd.), to console the family and
reassured them that the death of Ali and others in
battle would never go in vain.”
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.
He said, “Evil should not be given any chance to
defeat good and humanity, and that members of our
armed forces should remain formidably united in the
war against terrorism.”
Meanwhile, the President has appointed a high
powered delegation to be led by the Chief of Staff,
Abba Kyari, that includes the Minister of Federal
Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello and the Minister
of State Solid Minerals Development, Baba Buhari,
to represent him at the funeral of Ali and others on
Monday.