Metele Massacre: Army Lays 19 Soldiers To Rest In Maiduguri

The 19 soldiers who were among those who lost their lives in an attack by Boko Haram insurgents at Metele, Guzamala Local Government Area, Borno, have finally been buried by the Nigerians Army.

Naija News recalls that about 23 soldiers were killed and 31 others wounded when the insurgents attacked 157 Task Force Battalion, Metele, on Nov. 18.

The deceased soldiers were laid to rest Military Cemetery, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, stated that the soldiers sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, Chief, Army Training and Operations, Buratai announced that the deceased soldiers would be buried when their relatives arrived in Maiduguri.

He added that the military lost some soldiers and equipment due to the increased attack of insurgence on military positions.

He, however, assured that the army remains committed to ensuring that the war against insurgency will be intensified.

He said that military authorities would take care of the families of the deceased in line with its welfare scheme, and prayed for the repose of their souls.

“President Muhammad Buhari administration’s is committed to the improvement of soldiers’ welfare and provision of equipment to ensure successful campaign against the Boko Haram insurgents.

“The military will collaborate with sister security organizations in the counter-insurgency operation,” he said, and called on the troops to be disciplined and not relent in routing remnants of the insurgents.

The Army chief added that the Military will deploy additional military officers and equipment to ensure that the campaign of the army on insurgency is won.

Buratai admonished further that fake news should be shun to ensure that victory against insurgency be achieved.

The Deputy Governor of Borno, Alhaji Mamman Durkwa, said the state government appreciated the sacrifices of the military to the restoration of peace in the state.

Durkwa announced that the government would support the families of the fallen heroes to improve their wellbeing.

He called on military authorities to support the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, representatives of the Shehu of Borno and family members of the deceased.