The recent attack carried out by Boko Haram terrorists in Damboa local government area of Borno state, leaving soldiers, victims, families, and Nigerians at large in a disheartening and tragic situation, is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our military personnel. About 13 gallant soldiers, who pledged to defend our country, lost their lives, while others were injured. This tragic incident can be described as the first huge tragic incident and calamity that has happened in Nigeria in this new year, 2025.
For about two to three days, I came across headlines in many online newspapers that reported the attack. However, a particular newspaper report on January 8, 2025, shocked me to an indescribable feeling about the soldiers’ situation. My heart shattered, and I was overcome with emotion for a while, which triggered me to write this tribute to our fallen heroes who lost their lives in the course of serving the nation.
Losing 13 soldiers in a country like Nigeria, which is facing serious and severe insecurity challenges, is a great loss not only to the families of the victims but also a collective loss to all Nigerians. These individuals sacrificed their lives and left behind all the comforts and benefits that people within the society enjoy daily, and moved to the bush in order to protect and defend us from the enemies of peace in the country. Losing one of them is like the country losing some parts of its power; hence, we as Nigerians need to pay tribute and pray for their souls to rest in peace and for the government to provide support to the families of the victims affected.
Sadly, and unfortunately, the Borno state government, the military in Maiduguri, and Abuja have not yet provided their response on the incident after three days.
When I was reading the newspaper report, I came across a paragraph that was so terrible, horrific, and worrisome about the attack. It read, “It’s too early to tell you how many people we have lost because we are still counting. I cannot tell you the exact number of soldiers and vigilantes or the identity of the officers killed, but we have recovered over 12 dead bodies.”
The paragraph left me, and I know it will leave many people in Nigeria, in a fearful and worrisome condition. However, my condolences go out to the families of the victims, Nigerian military, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We also pray for those who lost their lives to rest in peace and for those injured to recover quickly.