GOVERNOR Babagana Zulum and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, have commiserated with the Nigerian Army, and the families of the soldiers killed by ISWAP terrorists during an encounter in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recall that Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu and three other soldiers were killed on their way to provide reinforcement in a counter-offensive against the terrorists.
Zirkushu was the commander of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok.
They were attacked by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), a few kilometers from Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State while they were on their way to Askira Uba town where the military and the ISWAP were exchanging gunfire.
In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, it said Zirkusu and the three soldiers paid the “supreme sacrifice in a very rare display of gallantry” in a counteroffensive against the terrorists.
It, however, said the troops killed many members of ISWAP during the encounter in Askira, which borders Sambisa Forest.
In reaction, Zulum commended the Nigerian military for its resilience in a battle with the terrorist group.
In a statement by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, the governor while commiserating with with the military over the loss of some military officers, thanked the fallen heroes for what he called “their supreme sacrifices to the Nigerian Nation,” adding that “the people of Borno will remain forever grateful to them and all fallen heroes, and will remain fully supported of gallant troops currently operating in front lines”.
The governor also commiserated with the residents affected by the attack.
“Today’s unfortunate incident in Askira Uba Local Government Area reminds us that while our military, other armed forces, volunteers and all stakeholders make combined severe efforts towards peace-building; while many insurgents surrender their arms to toe the path of peace and while reclaimed communities witness return of peace and access to livelihoods, some insurgents are hell-bent on ensuring we do not fully regain peace.
“The goal of these categories of insurgents should challenge us to remain focused and ceaselessly commit ourselves to support our troops in many ways, particularly with logistics on the part of the government, and with credible information and prayers on the part of all of us as people of Borno State.”
Meanwhile, Saraki in a statement on his social media handles sympathised with the families of Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkushu and the other soldiers.
The former Senate President describing them as heroes who sacrificed their lives for Nigeria.
Saraki wrote: “My heartfelt prayers are with the families of Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkushu and the three soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, who were killed by terrorists while on their way to reinforce our troops at Bungulwa village, near Askira Uba.
“As we mourn the passing of these heroes who selflessly and courageously gave their lives serving our country, I pray that Almighty God will protect the families left behind and continue to strengthen our brave men and women on the frontlines.”
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