The bodies of 17 military personnel, including four officers and 13 soldiers, who were brutally murdered by enraged youths in Okuama community, Delta State, during a peacekeeping mission on March 14, 2024, have been brought to the National Military Cemetery in Abuja for burial on Wednesday.
The remains arrived at approximately 2:30 pm and were transported by the FCT Ambulance Emergency Services and other vehicles.
Top military officials from various services were already present at the burial site to pay their respects to the fallen heroes, along with family members and relatives of the deceased personnel and other military officers.
The solemn ceremony was also expected to be attended by President Bola Tinubu.
At the time of reporting, the burial ceremony for the 17 military personnel was already in progress.
Below are the profiles of the 17 Army personnel as outlined in the event program:
- Late Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali: Born on May 18, 1975, in Kano, he enlisted in the Nigerian Army on October 2, 1996, and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Major Daniel Ekwo Obi: Born on December 20, 1985, in Niger State, he was granted Regular Combatant Commission on September 17, 2011, and reached the rank of major before his demise on March 14, 2024.
- Late Major Salihu Danjuma Shafa: Born on March 27, 1985, in Maiduguri, he was granted Short Service Combatant Commission on April 6, 2011, and rose to the rank of major before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Captain Usman Zakari: Born on May 11, 1989, in Keffi, he was granted Short Service Combatant Commission on September 12, 2015, and reached the rank of captain before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu: Born on October 14, 1973, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on July 19, 1993, and served gallantly in various operations before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Corporal Danbaba Yahaya: Born on August 12, 1989, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on September 2, 2010, and served commendably before his demise on March 14, 2024.
- Late Corporal Kabiru Bashir: Born on February 14, 1990, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on September 6, 2011, and served diligently before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna: Born on July 16, 1994, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on July 4, 2016, and served courageously before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi: Born on December 31, 1993, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on June 10, 2017, and served valiantly before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim: Born on July 13, 1999, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on April 23, 2018, and served bravely before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Lance Corporal Bello Anas: Born on April 17, 1999, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on April 23, 2019, and served with distinction before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Private Alhaji Isah: Born on September 7, 1997, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on June 10, 2017, and served selflessly before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Private Hamman Peter: Born on September 13, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on April 23, 2019, and served gallantly before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Private Clement Francis: Born on September 7, 1998, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on April 23, 2019, and served dutifully before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Private Abubakar Ali: Born on May 25, 1999, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on April 23, 2019, and served commendably before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Private Adamu Ibrahim: Born on January 10, 1998, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on April 23, 2019, and served courageously before his demise on March 14, 2024.
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Late Private Adamu Ibrahim: Born on February 1, 1998, he enlisted into the Nigerian Army on January 18, 2021, and served with dedication before his demise on March 14, 2024.
The burial of these brave soldiers is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the line of duty, and their memory will forever be honored. CONTINUE READING