The family of the slain army officer, Lt Colonel Abu Ali, who was killed along with some soldiers by Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno state, have asked the Federal Government to deploy soldiers to fight the terrorists on rotational basis.
This according to them is to allow them spend more time with their families.
They made the request when a non-governmental organisation, Nigerian Fallen Heroes Project, paid them a condolence visit at their Kaduna residence.
It was a very solemn atmosphere as Channels Television also visited the home of the Alis, located at Jabi road, in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
The bereaved family and friends wept profusely over the demise of their son and friend.
The late officer’s younger sister, Amina Abu Ali, expressed desire for the federal government to assist the family, especially in training his children, stating that her brother’s sudden exit will never be forgotten in a hurry.
His wife, Mrs Samira Abu Ali, who is also still in grief, vowed to raise her three children to be like the fallen hero, saying he was a nice and caring husband and father.
With the exit of her husband, she admitted that “the responsibility of training the children unfortunately now rests solely on her shoulders”, a task she has vowed to take up seriously.
Other family members eulogized the late officer, as a caring and lovely person, who has now paid the supreme price for the unity of the nation.
Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, the leader of ‘Nigerian Fallen Heroes Project’, assured the family that their son did not die in vain.
While calling on the government to assist the family and others who lost their lives in the cause of protecting their father land, the N.G.O announced an award of scholarship to one of the children of the deceased.
Colonel Abu Ali was killed in an ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, who attacked a 119 Battalion Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori, northern Borno state.
Although the troops repelled the attack and killed 14 Boko Haram terrorists, five soldiers were killed during the raid, while other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter.
Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, explained that because of Colonel Ali’s exceptional bravery and gallantry, he was recently given an accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant.
Family, friends and the nation at large continue to express grief over the loss.