By Adesina Soyooye
While Defence Headquarters is yet to confirm the killing of Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah by Terrorists, President Bola Tinubu is mourning the sad event and has expressed deep sorrow.
Recall that at sbout 12.30 am Thursday, terrorists stormed the Benisheikh Brigade Command, Borno State, the abode of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, wreaked mayhem, killed the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah and 18 other gallant soldiers.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the heartbreaking and embarrassing killing of Braimah and his gallant boys have not been revealed, but there are claims that the Armoured Personnel Carriers failed the troops.
President Tinubu, in a statement, extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of the deceased, all of whom he described as heroes and irreplaceable who sacrificed their lives for the country.
The DFQ which confirmed that insurgents launched a coordinated attack on the military installation in the early hours of Thursday, and attempted to breach its defensive perimeter were
“successfully” repelled after a fierce confrontation.
According to the DHQ, soldiers “responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.
It, however, acknowledged the loss of “a few” personnel during the encounter, whose identities were not released.
But the President, in a statement, issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended the courage of the fallen and serving soldiers, noting that they prevented a worse outcome.
He insisted that ongoing military operations has significantly weakened terrorist groups, forcing them into desperate counterattacks.
He said: “From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.
“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State.
“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.
“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged.
“These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.
“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The Federal Government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace.”
Sadly, the President’s statement has become a regular, a secular sermon, and, usually expected. Nothing changes after each such statements.
This is the second top military officer, within the past few months, Nigeria will lose to terrorists. The first was Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
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