Nigerian Army Honors 22 Fallen Heroes with Solemn Mass Burial Ceremony”
In a poignant display of reverence and tribute, the Nigerian Army conducted a ceremony to honor 22 military personnel who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
These courageous souls were commemorated during a solemn mass burial ceremony held at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on August 25, 2023.
The nation gathered to pay their respects and express their gratitude for the valor and sacrifice exhibited by these fallen heroes. The military personnel had met their untimely end as a result of an ambush by terrorists on the Zungeru-Tegina road and a subsequent fatal jet crash in the Chukuba area of Shiroro, both incidents occurring in Niger State.
Dignitaries, including the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, were present to mourn alongside the families and comrades of the fallen. The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and other service chiefs, joined hands in paying their solemn respects.
The fallen heroes were not only remembered for their dedication but also recognized by name, etching their memory into the fabric of the nation. The list of those who made the ultimate sacrifice 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 Chiroma Pogu
Late Corporal Adama Isaac
Late Corporal Haruna Jamilu II
Late Corporal Samaila Bashiru
Late Able Seaman Suleiman Mk (NN)
Late Corporal Jauro Amos (NAF)
Late Lance Corporal Sunday Okopi
Late Lance Corporal Ekpanyo Edet
Late Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel (NAF)
Late Lance Corporal Brigss Stephen (NAF)
Late Lance Corporal Yakubu Ayuba
Late Lance Corporal Nura Mohammed
Late Private Habib Aliyu
Late Private Tanko Waje
Late Air Craftman Abubakar Abdulrahaman
Amidst the sorrow and heavy hearts, the ceremony served as a unifying moment, as these brave souls were laid to rest alongside their comrades at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. Two of the fallen personnel, Lance Corporal Abdulrahman Abubakar and Flight Lieutenant Adamu Ibrahim, were laid to rest by their families in accordance with Islamic rites.
The nation stands united in its profound gratitude for the unwavering service and ultimate sacrifice of these brave individuals. Their memory will forever echo through the hallowed grounds of the National Military Cemetery, a testament to their commitment to protecting and defending their homeland.