President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the demise of Brigadier General Dzarma Zurkushu and seven other patriot, who paid the supreme price with their lives in defence of Askira-Uba during an attack in Borno State earlier in the month.
The President, who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha at the funeral ceremony of the patriots at Gibson Jalo Military Cantonment, Yola on November 26, 2021, also expressed gratitude for the gallantry exhibited by the deceased in defence of the country. He prayed God to continue to condole their families and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In appreciation for dedicated service to fatherland and humanity by the deceased officers and soldiers, the Governor of Adamawa state Hon Umaru Fintiri renamed the popular Lagos Street in Yola after the late Brig. Gen. Dzarma Zurkushu. This is aside the donation of the sum of N10m to the family of late Brig Gen Zurkushu and another N17m to the families of six other fallen heroes. .
Describing the late General as a thorough professional, gentle and dedicated to duty, the Governor also ordered hoisting of national flag in the state at half mast for three days in honour of the fallen heroes.
The COAS, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, who presented the national flags to the next of kin of the late senior officers and soldiers prayed God to comfort their families. He assured the families left behind, that the Nigerian Army would promptly process the emoluments of the fallen heroes in addition to offer of educational scholarship to their children.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the President and other sympathisers, who attended the funeral to pay their last respect to the patriots.
Prior to the final interments, service and prayers were held at St Stephen’s Military Church (Prot) and the Central Mosque both at Gibson Jalo Cantonment, where prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
Dominica Nwabufo
