Colonel Bako: Gen Buratai Pays Glowing Tribute, Gov Zulum Donates House, N20m to Family

Colonel Bako: Gen Buratai Pays Tribute, Gov Zulum Donates House, N20m to Family

Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako of the 25 taskforce Operation Lafiya Dole in Damboa has been buried at the Maimalari military cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The Army Colonel who was ambushed on Sunday by suspected Boko Haram militants at the outskirts of Wajiroko village, sustained serious injuries and went through surgery at the 7 division military hospital but died yesterday evening.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai who gave the citation of the fallen hero described late Col. Bako as a fighter who gave everything for the unity and peace of the nation.

He said Col. Bako was an officer and a gentleman and would be missed by his comrades, family and associates, who will continue to remember him for the many heroic works at many battlefronts since the inception of conflict in the northeast region.

He said, “As we mourn and continue to remember him, we are not going to leave his family and children after this moment. But the Army is going to take up the scholarship for the children he left behind and will ensure they have a good life even after the demise of their father.”

At the burial, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State announced a donation of a befitting house and 20 million Naira to the widow and orphans left behind by late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako.

Zulum paid glowing tribute on the deceased. He said: “Indeed it is a very sad moment, this is not a loss to the family of Late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako alone, not to the Nigerian Military, it is a loss to Borno and indeed Nigeria.”

“Col. Bako was a gallant and dogged military officer, under whose watch Damboa was never defeated. He is humble and committed in discharging his duties, he is part of the success recorded in degrading boko haram insurgency in Borno State.”

“He has been one of the greatest in trying to stabilize not only Borno but even the neighbouring Yobe State. We will remember his contributions forever, may almighty Allah reward him, and forgive him.”

“To his family, may Allah give them fortitude to bear this irreparable lost. To all the soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Military that lost their lives, may Almighty Allah reward and forgive them. The injured ones we pray for their quick recovery.”

“I am reliably informed that Col. Bako did not have a house of his own. We cannot ignore the family he left behind. We share their grief and nothing can equal his life. Nevertheless, I am pleased to announce that Borno State Government will build a befitting house for the family of late Col. Bako. I was also told that the Nigerian Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has offered a scholarship to his children, we will also support the family to compliment the efforts of the military.”

“For the welfare of his family, Borno State Government will release the sum of 20 million as support for them. A cheque to the effect will be ready later today or tomorrow morning” Zulum said.

By PRNigeria