The family of Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac, the Nigerian Army officer who lost his life during the operation that freed abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, has appealed for support, describing his death as a painful sacrifice in service to the nation.
The 28-year-old officer was among security personnel involved in the operation that secured the release of victims kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
Conflicting accounts have continued to trail the circumstances of his death. While some reports claimed his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device, others alleged he stepped on a landmine planted by suspected Ansaru terrorists during the operation.
Lt. Isaac, who was born on August 25, 1997, was laid to rest with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10.
Speaking in Yola, the deceased's father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, said the family remained heartbroken, describing his late son as a promising officer whose future was full of hope.
He lamented that neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government officially briefed the family on how the officer died, despite his sacrifice on the battlefield.
Alabura, however, appreciated serving and retired senior military officers who facilitated the release of his son's remains for burial in Adamawa, despite reported efforts to have him buried in Oyo State.
According to him, the late officer had recently completed a training programme at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna State, and was preparing to resume a new assignment in Sokoto before he was directed to participate in the rescue mission.
He urged the military hierarchy and the Oyo State Government to provide assistance to the bereaved family, noting that the fallen officer paid the ultimate price while protecting innocent Nigerians.
A cousin of the deceased, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described Lt. Isaac as disciplined, intelligent and dedicated to duty, adding that his death had robbed the nation of a young officer with great potential.
He appealed to the authorities to immortalise the late lieutenant in recognition of his courage and sacrifice.
The Nigerian Army had earlier acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation, while stressing that the mission was carefully executed to ensure the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued safely.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also paid tribute to the fallen personnel, commending the security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices during the successful rescue operation.
The operation, coordinated by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, involved personnel from several security agencies and led to the successful rescue of the abducted victims.
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