The five soldiers, members of the elite Presidential Guards, were killed during an audacious attack on Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power, by terrorists.
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Five soldiers of the 7 Guards Battalion and 176 Guards Battalion who were killed in a terrorist ambush in Bwari, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja were buried in the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday.
Captain Attah Samuel and four other soldiers were killed by terrorists who waylaid their convoy while returning from the Law School where they went to answer a distress call.
In a statement, the Assistant Director Army Public Relations Guards Brigade, Captain Godfrey Anebi Abakpa, said the burial started with a Christian wake and funeral service in honour of the fallen heroes at St John’s Military Church (Protestant) before the final Internment at the Guards Brigade Cemetery Maitama Abuja.
According to him: “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.
Jesus, help my aged parents, sister of slain Army Captain weeps
“While reading the funeral oration of the deceased officer and soldiers, the Commanding Officer of 7 Guards Battalion, Lt Col Salim Yusuf Hassan, and Commanding Officer 176 Guards Battalion, Lt Col Joshuah Kolowale 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.
“They asked God to console the families left behind stressing that while the Brigade and the Nigerian Army mourn, 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.
“Highpoint of the event was the presentation of accoutrements by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen James Alilu Ataguba to the next of kin of the deceased 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 farewell.
“The solemn ceremony was witnessed by senior officers of the Nigerian Army, Commanding Officers, Staff Officers of the Brigade, Bwari Area Council Chairman, Hon John Gabaya, as well as family members and the barracks community.”