Mourning Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has given a cash donation of N20 million and a house to the widow and children of Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako, killed following a Boko Haram ambush.
At the burial of the late officer on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Zulum said: “Indeed it is a very sad moment, this is not a loss to the family of Late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako alone, not to the Nigerian Military, it is a loss to Borno and indeed Nigeria.”
“Col. Bako was a gallant and dogged military officer, under whose watch Damboa was never defeated. He is humble and committed in discharging his duties; he is part of the success recorded in degrading boko haram insurgency in Borno State.”
“He has been one of the greatest in trying to stabilize not only Borno but even the neighbouring Yobe State. We will remember his contributions forever, may almighty Allah reward him, and forgive him.”
“To his family may they bear this irreparable loss. To all the soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Military that lost their lives, may Almighty Allah reward and forgive them. The injured ones we pray for their quick recovery.”
“I am reliably informed that Col. Bako did not have a house of his own. We cannot ignore the family he left behind. We share their grief and nothing can equal his life. Nevertheless, I am pleased to announce that Borno State Government will build a befitting house for the family of late Col. Bako. I was also told that the Nigerian Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has offered a scholarship to his children, we will also support the family to compliment the efforts of the military.”
“For the welfare of his family, Borno State Government will release the sum of 20 million as support for them. A cheque to that effect will be ready later today or tomorrow morning”.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratau, is mourning the loss of an army colonel who was killed in an ambush two days ago by Boko Haram insurgents.
It is not clear if it was only Bako that lost his life after injuries sustained in the ambush, but a statement by the spokesman of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army,Col. Ado Isa, said the late officer led a patrol to clear Boko Haram Terrorists from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa when his patrol team entered an ambush at about 10 a.m on the fateful Sunday.
The full statement reads: “Operation LAFIYA DOLE wishes to intimate the general public of the demise of one of our gallant and finest war heroes Col DC Bako.
“It could be recalled that the professional, gallant senior officer who always led from the front and a patriotic Nigerian, led a patrol to clear Boko Haram Terrorits from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa when his patrol team entered an ambush at about 10 a.m Sunday 20 September 2020.
“Under his able leadership, the troops cleared the ambush resulting to the killing of scores of terrorists and recovery of weapons and equipment.
“Sadly however, he was wounded in action and immediately evacuated by the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE to the 7 Division Hospital at Maimalari Cantonment.
“The late senior officer was recuperating well after successful operation at the hospital, in good spirit and also said his prayers in the early hours of this morning before his sad passing on at the hospital.
May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest. Ameen.
“The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai on behalf of himself, gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and indeed well-meaning Nigerians hereby express his heartfelt condolences to his esteemed family. We are most grateful for his contributions and sacrifices to the mother land.
“May God grant eternal rest to the gentle soul of Col DC Bako and the souls of all Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who paid the supreme prize in the defence of our farther land.”