The Way To Honour Nigeria’s Fallen Heroes – Senate

The Senate said on Tuesday had said that the restoration of peace and total defeat of Boko Haram is the way to honour Nigeria’s foreign heroes.

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who chaired the Senate plenary on Tuesday, made the remark following a motion on the demise of Abu Ali, a Nigerian Army commander in the north-east.

Late Mr. Ali, a lieutenant colonel, was one of the troops killed by Boko Haram when the insurgents attacked the 119 Battalion located at Mallam Fatori, Borno North last week.

In the ambush, five soldiers were killed while others sustained injuries; but the insurgents were repelled and 14 of them killed, Army spokesperson, Sani Usman said on Saturday.

Alfa Isaac, the PDP lawmaker who represents late Mr. Ali’s Kogi East senatorial district, raised the motion on the demise of the fallen heroes.

After speaking on the “bravery and commitment” of Mr. Ali, the Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the departed soldiers.

The Senate also resolved to convey “deep condolence” to the families of the deceased soldiers.
The death of Mr. Ali, a prince, has been widely mourned by Nigerians.

He was the commander of the 272 Battalion.

For his “exceptional bravery and gallantry”, he was recently given accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel; and was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, at
Gamboru Ngala on September 15, 2015 during an operational visit.