By Linus Aleke
Tears flowed yesterday as the Nigerian military bade farewell to an officer and four soldiers who paid the supreme price during a terrorist ambush in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.
The personnel, who sacrificed their lives in defence of their fatherland, include Captain Attah Samuel and four other soldiers.
The deceased soldiers, who were attached to the 7 Guards Battalion and 176 Guards Battalion, were killed by terrorists, who came under attack.
The unit is charged with protecting the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Guards Brigade, Captain Godfrey Abakpa, in a statement, said the internment process started with a Christian wake and funeral service held in honour of the fallen heroes at St John’s Military Church (Protestant) before their final journey to eternity at the Guards Brigade Cemetery in Maitama, Abuja.
“Guards Brigade Nigerian Army and the entire Barracks community was today 10th August 2022 thrown into a state of mourning as the remains of Captain Attah Samuel and four other soldiers who recently paid the supreme price during a clearance operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were laid to rest at the Guards Brigade Cemetery, Maitama, Abuja.
“Until their demise, the gallant soldiers were serving with 7 Guards Battalion, Lungi Barracks Maitama and 176 Guards Battalion Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja respectively,” the statement reads in part.
Abakpa further said that while reading the funeral oration of the deceased officer and soldiers, the Commanding Officers of 7 Guards Battalion, Lt Col Salim Hassan, and Commanding Officer 176 Guards Battalion, Lt. Col Joshua Adisa, described the late Captain and soldiers as thoroughly bred infantrymen, who were genuinely committed to their duties in defence of Nigeria and whose contribution and services would be greatly missed.
He said, “They asked God to console the families left behind stressing that while the Brigade and the Nigerian Army mourns, the families should take solace in the fact that they have fought a just fight and their souls shall continue to rest with the lord till the resurrection morning.”
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The high point of the event was the presentation of accoutrements by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen. James Ataguba, to the next of kin of the deceased personnel and lowering of the remains of the fallen heroes.
There was also the blowing of the last post and gun salute to bid the departed heroes fair well, while family members wept.
The burial process started with Christian wake keep and funeral service held in honour of the fallen heroes at St John’s Military Church (Protestant) before the final Internment at the Guards Brigade Cemetery Maitama Abuja.
The Brigade spokesperson noted that the solemn ceremony was witnessed by senior officers of the Nigerian Army, commanding officers, and staff officers of the Brigade.
Others were the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, as well as family members and the barracks community.
