ulum mourns slain soldiers, donates N50m to families of fallen troops

Zulum mourns slain soldiers, donates N50m to families of fallen troops

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), describing their sacrifice as a painful but heroic loss in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the state.

Zulum made the remarks on Wednesday, during the burial ceremony held in honour of the late military officers and soldiers, who lost their lives in the line of duty at the Maimalari Cantonment military cemetery, Maiduguri.

“Today, we are gathered here in solemn memory to witness yet another sad event, the burial of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other troops of Operation Hadin Kai, who paid the supreme price in the discharge of their duties while protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.

Zulum, in an emotionally laden voice, extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as the bereaved families in the country.

Zulum described the recent targeted Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist attacks on military commanders as a deliberate attempt to weaken the morale of troops.

The governor assured us that efforts are underway to reverse the ugly trend. at the theater’s command of operations.

“The resurgence in the killing of combatant officers and men is a deliberate attempt to demoralise our armed forces, but we shall do everything possible to reverse this trend, Insha Allah,” he stated.

The governor commended the courage and resilience of the Nigerian military, noting that soldiers remain the primary targets in the ongoing conflict.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of both the federal and state governments to strengthening the military’s capacity to end approximately 17 years of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

“The Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu, alongside the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and the Northeast Governors Forum (NEGF), is making frantic efforts to provide the necessary support and assets needed to protect our armed forces and civilians,” he said.

Zulum announced N50 million in financial assistance as immediate relief for the bereaved families.

“As an immediate support to cushion the effect of this tragic loss of lives, the Borno State Government will release N50 million to the family of late Brig-Gen Oseni Braimah and other deceased personnel,” declared Zulum.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and urged their families to remain steadfast in faith.

The Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Christopher Musa (rtd.), paid glowing tribute to Brigadier General Braimah and other gallant soldiers killed in the line of duty during the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice for national peace and security.

He commended the Borno State Governor for his steadfast support in the fight against terrorism.

“I want to appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, for his outstanding commitment in supporting the fight against terrorism in the North-East. We salute you, sir,” he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, also mourn the deceased personnel and express determination to bring to an end the war against insurgency and other forms of criminality.

The solemn event was attended by a senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; the member representing the Marte/Monguno/Nganzai federal constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba; the Secretary to the Borno State Government, acting Chief of Staff to the Governor; and senior military and state government officials.