Presidential guards killed by terrorists in ambush buried

Member of Presidential Guards Brigade killed in Abuja

Guards Brigade on Thursday buried the late Capt. Samuel Attah and four other soldiers who died during a clearance operation in Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A spokesman for the brigade, Capt. Godfrey Abakpa, said in a statement that the burial took place at the Guards Brigade Cemetery in Abuja.

The servicemen were attacked on July 24 after they visited the Nigeria Law School in Bwari following a distress call from the authorities of the school.

Terrorists had given the school a letter indicating an imminent attack.

One of the slain officers, Lt. Ibrahim Suleiman, has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Abakpa said the late officer and soldiers were serving with 7 Guards Battalion, Lungi Barracks Maitama and 176 Guards Battalion Gwagwalada in FCT.

He said the funeral oration was read by the commanding officer of 7 Guards Battalion, Lt.-Col. Salim Hassan and commanding officer 176 Guards Battalion, Lt.-Col. Joshuah Adisa.

“They asked God to console the families left behind and urged them to take solace in the fact that they have fought a just fight and their souls shall continue to rest with the Lord till the resurrection morning.

“Highpoint of the event was the presentation of accoutrements by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen James Ataguba to the next of kins of the deceased personnel and lowering of the remains of the fallen heroes.

“There was also the blowing of the last post and gun salute to bid the departed heroes farewell,” he added.

The burial process started with a wake and funeral service held in honour of the fallen heroes at St John’s Military Church (Protestant) before the final internment at the Guards Brigade Cemetery.