By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
SENATOR representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume and member representing Hawul/Askira-Uba federal Constituency, Hon. Dr Midala Usman Balami have mourned the passing away of a young talented Army Officer, Major Danjuma Shaffa who was among Officers and Soldiers that were ambushed and killed while on a peace mission in Okuama community of Delta state.
Recall that last Thursday, soldiers and officers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the military Joint Task Force, JTF, Bomadi Division, including the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Ali, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers were ambushed and killed on a rescue mission at Okuama to release a hostage, Mr Anthony Aboh, hailed from neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area over a lingering land dispute.
Late Major Shaffa hails from Shaffa town of Hawul local government area of Borno state where the two Lawmakers also represent at the national assembly.
Both Ndume and Midala called upon relevant authorities to immediately fish out the suspects, as they strongly condemned the barbaric act by those involved for not only killing the soldiers but beheading some of them as witnessed in viral videos of the bodies recovered.
According to a statement signed by Ndume’s Spokesman, Junaid Maiva, a copy which was made available to our Correspondent in Maiduguri on Monday revealed that Ndume who is the Senate Majority Whip, “has been deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, a brave military officer from Shaffa in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Major Shaffa, whose recent deployment led him to Delta State, met his untimely end in a devastating ambush alongside fellow military officers and soldiers following a successful mission.
“The news of his passing has cast a pall of sorrow over Senator Ndume and the entire nation.
“Senator Ndume paid tribute to the late Major Shaffa, extolling him as a genuine patriot who epitomized the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.
“The senator urged Major Shaffa’s family, friends, and constituents in southern Borno to take comfort in the knowledge that their beloved relative lived a life dedicated to serving humanity and defending the nation’s sovereignty.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and the constituents of southern Borno, we stand in solidarity with the family and friends of the late military officer,” The statement concluded.
In a related development, Dr Balami in a statement he personally signed said, “It is with immense sadness that I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Major Danjuma Shaffa and the gallant soldiers, who lost their lives while on peacekeeping mission in Delta State. This death is a great loss to the Nigeria Army and the entire nation.
“Major Danjuma Shaffa was a patriotic soldier who dedicated his life to the service of our country. He was a role model and inspiration to many, and his death has left a deep void in our hearts.
“We condemn this senseless act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The sacrifices of our soldiers will not be in vain, and we will continue to support our brave men and women in uniform who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s peace and security.
“Once again, I extend my sympathies on behalf of the people of Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency and pray for the repose of Major Danjuma Shaffa’s soul and all the deceased patriots.” He stated.
