By; ABDULL-AZEEZ AHMED KADIR.
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has described late Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu Ali as a national hero whose battleground conduct was worthy of commendation and emulation by all Nigerians.
Gov Sani Bello said the fallen officer’s discipline, gallantry, bravery, patriotism, selfless service, commitment and clear understanding of the battle space and what was at stake ensured various successes recorded in operations he led in the fight against Bokom Haram, particularly the liberation of territory occupied by terrorists in the North East.
The governor in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, said Abu Ali was an example of a gentleman officer who lived by the professional demands of his calling through tactical deployment of strategic directives from the military high command in support of counter terrorism operations (Operation Lafiya Dole) in the North East.
“Late Mohammed Abu Ali’s understanding of military regimentation, command and control structure as well as exemplary leadership ensured that his troops respected him; and senior commanders at strategic and command levels had confidence in him.”
“He lived and died for Nigeria. The tributes, testimony and outpouring of emotions by his troops and others who encountered him in the course of his professional career which earned him accelerated promotion and Chief of Army Staff, (COAS’s) Award for Exceptional Bravery and Excellence was an indication that he was a war hero, who knew nothing more than service to the nation.”
Governor Sani Bello said that Ali’s timeless quote (“Pray, stay alert and stay alive. If someone must die, let it be me”) which has gone viral with his death revealed the kind of persona and life that he lived as a military officer.
Gov Sani Bello condoled with the family of the departed hero, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Defence ministry, the military high command, the government and people of Kogi State, the Etsu Bassa Nge, and the officers and Men of 272 Tank Battalion over the lossy.
The Governor prayed Allah to grant the late officer Aljanat Firdausi and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Until his death, the award wining officer fondly called Sarkin Yaki was the Commanding Officer, 272 Task Force Battalion at Malam Fatori in Northern Borno State. He is survived by his father, Etsu Bassa Nge, Brig Gen Abu Ali (rtd), wife, and three children.
