Captain Aliyu Hajji, one of the officers murdered in an ambush in Plateau State, on Friday, has been laid to rest.
The deceased who hailed from Anguar-kura community in Lokoja, capital of Kogi state, was murdered alongside his colleagues and local vigilantes at Garga area of Kanam Local Government area of Plateau state.
His family described the death of the slain military officer as a monumental loss to them, the state and Nigeria at large .
Head of the family and Dan Maliki of Lokoja, Alhaji Danladi Abdulsalam, expressed sorrow over the loss, describing late captain as a hero who died in the service of his fatherland.
In an emotion laden voice, he said, “Captain Hajji’s death has been widely mourned by family members, colleagues and members of his community. He died as a hero in the service of his father land.”
Recounting his last moment, another family member, Alhaji Musa Tanimu Nasidi, said the death of the gallant soldier once again reminded Nigerians of the heavy price being paid daily by members of the Armed Forces defending the nation.
He said: “The young infantry regimental officer died courageously while protecting his country and its citizens from criminal elements threatening peace and security.
“Popularly known as Captain Hajji among friends, colleagues and members of his community, he represented the finest ideals of patriotism, sacrifice and commitment to national service.
“Only a short while ago, the late officer had shared a heartfelt message on his social media page marking the first anniversary of his mother’s passing.
“That post reflected his deep sense of family, humility and faith. Little did many know that shortly afterward, the same fate of death would come knocking on his own door.”
Alhaji Nasidi, in a solemn voice, said the deceased’s last moment on earth was his a phone encounter with his wife before the incident.
According to him, Captain Hajji had told his wife that he was on his way with his colleagues on routine patrol around garaga, Kyaram , Gyambau community, promising to be back shortly.
“After hours of waiting for his return, his wife called his special line to find out the situation to no success. Shortly after , a voice , claiming to be his assailant called his wife ,using his special cellphone in their custody, and told her that her husband had been killed.
“In anguish , his wife called the family to inform them of the development. The family quickly mobilized to the area. And to the surprise of all, Hajji’s body and the rest victims were burnt by their assailants , with many of them beyond recognition. His corpse could only be identified by his personal body guard.
“On checking, there was no trace of bullet wound in his body. That is another riddle waiting to be unravel by the appropriate authorities,” he said.
He added that the military authorities had yet to officially inform the family of the cause his death , which will serve as a basis to appeal for assistance to the family left behind by the deceased officer .
The remains of Captain Hajji were laid to rest with full military honours at the Lungi Brigade Military Cemetery, Asokoro Barracks, Abuja, on Sunday.
The funeral prayer for the late officer was observed at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Daily Trust- ‘Burnt beyond recognition’: Wife reveals phone encounter with killers of murdered Captain
At the cemetery, a solemn military parade was conducted in honour of the deceased. The parade was led by Colonel O. Olaleye.
The military authorities read the biography of the late Captain, highlighting his service record and commitment to duty.
Among dignitaries present at the burial were Brigadier General Idris Abdulrahman, the Kuguna of Lokoja, Alhaji Hamisu Nayashi, the Dama of Lokoja, Alhaji Sulaiman Baba Ali, community leaders and thousands of mourners who came to pay their last respect to the slain gallant soldier.
The high point of the ceremony was the symbolic handing over of the Nigerian flag to the deceased officer’s son, Aliyu Umar, signifying the nation’s recognition of the sacrifice made by the fallen officer.
Born 1984, the deceased was said to have been promoted to the rank of a Major. He was waiting to be decorated before he met his untimely death.
Captain Haji is survived by two wives and four children – a boy and three girls .
His father was said to have died about ten years ago while he lost his mother last year.
(Daily Trust)
