Falling Hero: Governor Bello commiserates with Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom over the death of Lieutenant Colonel Muhammed Abu Ali

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has condoled with the family of Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom Brigadier General Abu-Ali (Rtd.) over the death of his son, Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali.

This is contained in a condolence message issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Petra Akinti Onyegbule today November 6 in Lokoja. The Governor described his death as unfortunate and “a monumental loss to Kogi State and Nigeria”.

Governor 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 Col. 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 major concern to everyone. “Kogi State and indeed Nigerians will never forget your gallantry as you led the Nigerian Army to recapture Baga from the control of terrorists and you died while in active service, gallant soldier” Governor Bello averred.

Governor Bello extended his condolences to the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom over this devastating loss. Allah giveth and He taketh, from Him we came and to Him we return. May Allah give you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

 It will be recalled that the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents, on Friday night November 4, reportedly killed a Commander in the Nigerian Army Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali and four other soldiers during a shoot-out in Borno State. The soldiers also killed 14 members of Boko Haram during the clash.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Saturday November 5 that the battle occurred when the insurgents attacked the 119 Battalion’s location at Mallam Fatori, Borno State, the Commanding Officer of the 272 Task Force Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali , and four soldiers were killed while repelling Boko Haram and four other soldiers were injured during the attack.

He said, “Yesterday November 5 at about 10.00pm suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a 119 Battalion Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori, Northern Borno State. The troops fought gallantly and repelled the attack, killing 14 Boko Haram terrorists.

 “Unfortunately, we lost an officer and four soldiers, while four other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter. One of those killed in action, was Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, the Commanding Officer of 272 Task Force Tank Battalion.

“It will be recalled that because of the late senior officer’s exceptional bravery and gallantry, Lt. Col Muhammed Abu Ali was given an accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel and was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, at Gamboru Ngala, on September 9, 2015 during an operational visit.”

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai giving late Lt. Col Muhammed Abu Ali an award

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