President Buhari mourns gallant soldier, Col Ali, killed in Boko Haram ambush last friday, calls the late soldier's father

President Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Lt. Col. Abu Ali, the gallant military officer killed in Boko Haram ambush in Mallam Fatori, Borno state last Friday. In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba, President Buhari said he was rudely shocked by the news of the officer’s death along with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with the Boko Haram members in Borno State.
According to President Buhari:

“A courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle, no matter the risks or the obvious danger.”

President Buhari in his passionate condolence to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Army, noted that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage. President Buhari, who personally called late Colonel Ali’s father, Brigadier-Gen. Abu Ali (Ryder) to console the family, reassured them that the death of Col Ali and others in battle would never go in vain.

“He was a gallant soldier, never to be forgotten. He has brought a good name to the family,” said the President.

He then  called on members of the armed forces not to let the tragic incident to dampen their morale and spirit, adding that under no circumstances should the Boko Haram terrorists be allowed to destroy the will of our troops.

Meanwhile, the President has appointed a high powered delegation to be led by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, that includes the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello and the Minister of State Solid Minerals Development, Baba Buhari to represent him at the funeral of Colonel Abu Ali and others today,  Monday November 7th.