The remains of the bodies of a commanding officer and four other soldiers killed by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State have been laid to rest by the Nigerian Army.
The bodies were buried on Saturday in a small ceremony with full military honours at the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetary in Borno State.
Those buried were identified as Major Bedan Ishaya of the 22 battalions as well as a sergeant, two lance corporals, and a private soldier.
They were said to have been killed during a clash with insurgents on February 14, 2021, when Ishaya led a reinforcement to Marte Local Government to support dislodged troops.
The burial ceremony was attended by Deputy Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole Major General Felix Omoigui, General officer commanding 7 Division, and other senior army officers.
Speaking at the burial of the fallen heroes, Omoigui who condoled with the families of the dead soldiers described their passing away as a sad event.
He however assured their families that the government and military authorities will not abandon them, adding that packages and benefits for soldiers and officers lost in battle will soon be paid to their next-of-kin.
“Today is indeed a sad day for all of us, our officers and soldiers who fought gallantly before their death were exemplary; unfortunately they had to pay the supreme price,” he said.
“We want to assure you that we will do all our best to ensure this insurgency is brought to an end soonest. We have lost a lot with their departure from us: the Nigerian nation as a whole has lost; the theatre and of course the family has lost.”
“I want to encourage you to be strong. God knows why he called them back; for those of us that are alive we will have to be strong so I enjoin us, as painful as it is, for us as a family to be strong and move on with our lives,” the Deputy theatre commander said.
Meanwhile, new General Officers Commanding, Principal Staff Officers, Commandant of tri-service institutions, and army training centres have been appointed by the Nigerian Army.
The fresh appointments made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru were made public in a statement on Saturday, by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima.
The statement titled, ‘Nigeria Army approves new postings and appointments,’ explained that the redeployment was aimed at repositioning the army for optimal performance.