The Nigerian Army has laid to rest, Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, a 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer, who lost his life in the mission to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He was killed by landmines while leading the initial breach to rescue the victims.
Lt. Isaac was at the forefront of the operation in the Old Oyo National Park, firing the first shots. His convoy was hit by IEDs set by terrorists.
“We will never forget,” his colleagues said as he was finally laid to rest, with full military honours at the 23rd Amoured Brigade Cemetery, Yola, Adamawa State.
The rescue operation, which led to the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity, has continued to generate a flurry of reactions.
Ripples Nigeria reports that the students and their teachers were released on Friday, 10 July, ending the standoff that began when terrorists seized the victims.
Security operatives from more than 10 agencies joined forces in a month-long intelligence-led operation that secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists from Oriire LGA of Oyo State.
The operation was led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army.
On May 15, gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all in Oriire LGA.
The incident prompted the Oyo State government to shut schools in four LGAs as security agencies intensified rescue efforts.
(Ripples)