“Why I Won’t Advise My Children to Join Nigerian Military”: Widow of Colonel Killed in Delta Speaks

• A widow of one of the slain military personnel in Delta state has made a strong statement regarding her children participating in the military
• Hauwa Ali, the wife of the late Lt Col A.H Ali, said she would not allow her children to join the Nigerian military following the fate that befell their father
• Ali’s widow noted that she was devastated and never knew that the peace mission would be his last assignment for the country

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Hauwa Ali, the wife of the late Lt Col A.H Ali, said she will not allow any of her children to join the military following the gruesome death of her husband in Okuama community of Ughelli South local government area of Delta state.

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During an interview with Daily Trust, Ali’s widow said her late husband had already sacrificed himself for Nigeria.

How soldiers were killed in Okuama

Recall that unknown gunmen reportedly laid an ambush for soldiers in the Okuama community, killing several of them. The military high command confirmed the development on Saturday, March 16.

The director of defence information, Tukur Gusau, said the troops, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, were surrounded and killed by some community youths in Bomadi LGA of Delta state who were armed with weapons.

The army has vowed that troops would remain at the creek until they recovered all the weapons that the assailants had stolen and arrested the suspects, but some eminent Nigerians have called for an independent probe of the matter.

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Widow of slain colonel mourns

Speaking about the dignified personality and selfless service of her late husband, Ali, the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Hauwa said:

“Words cannot describe him because he was everything to us. His dedication to humanity is one thing I will always remember. No matter how he was, once he was called to work, he would make sure he fulfilled it.”

Speaking further on whether she would allow some of her children to join the military in future, she said:

“I will not advise any of his children to be in the military. Their father has already sacrificed his life for the country.”

Tinubu cancels birthday celebration to honour slain soldiers

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu cancelled his 72nd birthday colloquium and asked well-wishers to switch focus to charity organisations.

A statement issued on Sunday afternoon, March 24, by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu's special adviser on information and strategy, disclosed that the decision was due to the "challenging times" Nigeria is confronted with.

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Tinubu also announced that the 17 military officials who were brutally killed in Okuama, Delta state, would be given a befitting burial and national honours.

Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the bereaved.

Source: Legit.ng