A somber atmosphere enveloped the National Military Cemetery in Abuja as military personnel, led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, along with grieving family members and friends, gathered to pay their final respects to fallen comrades who lost their lives in Niger State.
The burial ceremony held special significance as it paid tribute to 36 officers who were tragically killed in action, including an air mission, on August 14, as reported by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
The solemn event commenced with the arrival of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, who arrived at approximately 9:46am.
In attendance alongside him were Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and several other service chiefs.
The combined presence of high-ranking officials, military personnel, and the bereaved families underscored the gravity of the occasion.
It is noteworthy that some of the deceased officers had already been laid to rest by their families.
The ceremony included a roll call of the military personnel who were to be interred, commemorating their dedication and sacrifice.
The list includes:
LATE MAJOR SA ONI
LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ANTHONY DURYUMSU
LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT IBRAHIM ADAMU
LATE LIEUTENANT GM ODUSAMI
LATE LIEUTENANT US ALKALI
LATE SERGEANT FARUK MOHAMMED
LATE CORPORAL IBRAHIM GARBA
LATE CORPORAL CIROMA POGU
LATE CORPORAL ADAMA ISAAC
LATE CORPORAL HARUNA JAMILU
LATE CORPORAL SAMAILA BASHIRU
LATE ABLE SEAMAN SULEIMAN MK (NIGERIAN NAVY)
LATE CORPORAL JAURU AMOS (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)
LATE LANCE CORPORAL SUNDAY OKOPI
LATE LANCE CORPORAL EKPANYO EDET
LATE LANCE CORPORAL ABARIBE DANIEL (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)
LATE LANCE CORPORAL BRIGGS STEPHEN (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)
LATE LANCE CORPORAL YAKUBU AYUBA
LATE LANCE CORPORAL NURA MOHAMMED
LATE PRIVATE HABIB ALIYU
LATE PRIVATE TANKO WAJE
LATE AIRCRAFTMAN ABUBAKAR ABDULRAHAMAN (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)
The ceremony stood as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals in the line of duty. Their commitment and dedication to Nigeria will forever be remembered, as their names echo in the hearts of those who gathered to honour their memory. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.