President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said he received news of the death of Lt-Col Abu Ali killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists with shock.
The President spoke via is official Twitter page.
I received the news of the deaths with shock. Lt. Col. Abu Ali was an extraordinary officer who inspired respect among those he commanded.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) November 6, 2016
Ali, nicknamed, Sarkin Yaki [Chief Warrior], was the Commanding Officer, 272 Task Force Battalion at Mallam Fatori in Northern Borno.
He died in confrontation with Boko Haram terrorists who attacked 119 Battalion, Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori on Friday, in a failed attempt to capture the town.
“I have asked Chief of Staff Abba Kyari to lead a delegation to represent me at the funeral of Lt Col Abu Ali & other fallen heroes, tomorrow,” the President wrote.
“No words can do justice to the patriotism and remarkable courage of these soldiers, who laid down their lives for Nigeria.
“I have also personally conveyed my condolences to the late Lt. Col Ali’s father, Brigadier-Gen. Abu Ali (Rtd), and his widow, Samira.
“I call on members of the Armed Forces to not allow this tragic incident dampen their spirits and resolve. Evil will not triumph over good.”
Governor of Ali’s home state, Kogi, Yahaya Bello, on Sunday condoled with the family of Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom, Brigadier General Abu-Ali (Rtd), over the death of his son.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Petra Akinti Onyegbule, Bello described his death as unfortunate and “a monumental loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.”
Bello said the late colonel “was a gallant officer who served the nation with his all and paid the supreme price by laying down his life for the peace of the country.”
He maintained that the late soldier will be remembered for his sacrifice and commitment to the cause of the Nigerian Army to rid the country of insurgency, which has been a source of concern to everyone.
“Kogi State and indeed Nigerians will never forget your gallantry as you led a team of the Nigerian Army to recapture Baga from the control of terrorists and you death while in active service. He was a gallant soldier,” Bello said.
Defence Minister, Mansur Dan-Ali, also described Ali’s death as a tragic and unfortunate development in the theatre of operations.
This is contained in a statement issued by Col Tukur Gusau.
“The Honourable Minister received the sad news while in Sokoto and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the war hero eternal rest,” Gusau, the minister’s spokesman wrote.
He described Ali as a major pillar in the war against terrorism and insurgency in the North East.
Dan-Ali also expressed his condolences to the father of the deceased, his young family and the Nigerian Army.
