By Augustine Ehikioya
For paying the supreme price with their lives in defence of Askira-Uba during an attack in Borno State earlier in the month, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the demise of Brigadier General Dzarma Zurkushu and 7 other patriots.
The message was conveyed through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha at the funeral ceremony of the patriots at Gibson Jalo Military Cantonment, Yola on Friday 26 November, 2021.
A statement issued on Friday by the Director Army Public Relations,
Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), disclosed this.
The statement said the President also “expressed gratitude for the gallantry exhibited by the deceased in defence of the country.”
He prayed God to continue to condole their families and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In appreciation for dedicated service to their fatherland and humanity by the deceased officers and soldiers, the Governor of Adamawa State Rt Hon. Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri renamed the popular Lagos Street in Yola after the late Brig. -Gen. Dzarma Zurkushu.
“This is aside from the donation of the sum of 10 Million Naira to the family of late Brig. -Gen. Zurkushu and another 17 Million Naira to the families of six other fallen heroes.
“Describing the late General as thoroughly professional, gentle, and dedicated to duty, the Governor also ordered hoisting of the National flag in the State at half-mast for 3 days in honour of the fallen heroes.”
Speaking earlier at the funeral, the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, who presented the National flags to the Next of Kings (NOK) of the late senior officers and soldiers, prayed God to comfort their families.
He assured the families left behind, that “the NA would promptly process the emoluments of the fallen heroes, in addition, to offer of an educational scholarship to their children.”
The COAS expressed appreciation to the President and other sympathizers, who attended the funeral to pay their last respect to the patriots.
Before the final interments, the statement said, service and prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased at St Stephen’s Military Church (Prot.) and the Central Mosque, both at Gibson Jalo Cantonment.