Would you fight for what you believe in even if it could lead to your demise?
_Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ishaya Rizi Bamaiyi (rtd)
By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
Honoring people who are deserving of it is important. We lament and grieve deeply over the deaths of our army officers in the Delta. With the new Nigeria taking shape, this arrived at a time when we needed peace more than ever. Not only should the fallen soldiers be remembered, but measures should be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
We pay respect to the unflinching courage, devotion, and selflessness of the courageous men and women of the Nigerian Army who have sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Together, these warriors have steadfastly maintained the principles of honor and duty while defending the country’s sovereignty and safeguarding its population. Their memory will live on forever in the pages of Nigerian history, and their sacrifice stands as a tribute to the highest principles of patriotism and service.
The Nigerian Army is a representation of bravery, tenacity, and selflessness. These brave men and women have faced incredible obstacles and opponents everywhere from the front lines of battle to the most isolated areas of the country, exhibiting unmatched bravery and tenacity in the face of hardship. Even during the most difficult circumstances, they have remained steadfast in their dedication to upholding peace and stability as well as the territorial integrity of the country.
Every soldier who has died while performing their job has left a legacy of bravery and honor. They have remained steadfast in the face of peril, putting their lives in danger to defend the values of justice and freedom as well as their fellow citizens. Their selfless dedication to serve a cause bigger than themselves is demonstrated by their sacrifices, which are frequently undertaken quietly and without much fanfare.
It is critical to understand that every slain soldier has a family, a community, and a country grieving their loss behind them. These courageous soldiers’ families suffer greatly, from the anguish of loss to the anguish of separation. For their tenacity and sacrifice, they too are deserving of our sincere appreciation and respect.
The communities they serve also bear the cost of their sacrifices, as they support development initiatives, conduct peacekeeping missions to uphold stability and security, and offer humanitarian aid. These initiatives demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the lives of the country’s citizens in addition to protecting it.
Recognizing the value of helping and tending to those who are still serving is equally important as we pay tribute to the departed heroes. To truly appreciate their sacrifice, we must make sure they are well-cared for, give them the tools they need, and recognize their efforts. It is important to never forget or undervalue the sacrifices and service they have provided.
Not only did the president show up for the funeral, but he also went forward to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers, which made us happy. The President presented national honors as a tribute to the fallen officers. The Order of Nigeria (MON) was bestowed upon all four of the senior executives. The Order of the Federal Republic was given to all 13 troops (OFR). Above all, a scholarship for every child the departed heroes left behind. The government cares about the peace of the nation, and this will at least provide some comfort to their families and other serving officers.
We reaffirm our dedication to maintaining the moral principles—integrity, loyalty, and selfless service—for which they fought. In order to pay tribute to their memories, we work toward a better, more peaceful Nigeria in the future—a place where their legacy is treasured, their sacrifices are remembered, and their strength and resiliency serve as an example to all of us.
To our fallen heroes, your service and effort will not be in vein. Those involved in this action should be brought to justice, and face the consequences of their actions. As the nation grief, our fallen heroes will be remembered and their names, written with the ink of gold in our history. As the nature continue towards the path to peace and creating a peaceful atmosphere for its citizens, our heads are buried with supplications in solitude.