Buhari Mourns Troops Killed By ISWAP

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three other soldiers who were killed by Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. In a statement by his office, he expressed sorrow at their deaths, saying the deceased paid the supreme sacrifice in a very rare display of gallantry. While urging the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya to accept his heartfelt condolences, Buhari went on to note that Nigeria has lost brave soldiers.

The president offered prayers to God, asking that the Armed Forces and bereaved families to be strengthened to bear the irreparable loss. The report further stated four other soldiers were allegedly killed in the incident which occurred at Bulguma, few kilometers from Askira town in Askira Uba local government area.

It was gathered that troops of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, had mobilised to provide reinforcement in Askira, which was under attack. A former Nigerian Senate president, Bukola Saraki,has also sympathised with the bereaved families of the deceased personnel. In a post, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain prayed for God to strengthen the brave men and women on the front lines.

In a related development, the Nigerian Army revealed the identity of the Brigadier-General killed on Saturday, November 13, by ISWAP terrorists. The slain general is Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu, the commander of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok. The general’s identity was revealed in statement issued by the Nigerian Army spokesman, Onyeama Nwachukwu.