The Story of Lt Col AH Ali, 4 Commanders, 12 soldiers who died in the hands of those they are protecting
Indeed, Life’s interplay of twists and turns, ups and downs, good and bad times, cold and hot seasons, humble and arrogant lifestyles, wade our souls into sweet or bitter ends.
Life is vanity, the holy book says. Molded out of clay and there we shall all return, dust to dust and nothing left but the memories of good or bad moments we created while alive.
In my mind’s eye, I see nothing but vanity in all the powers, authorities, egos, hatred, bitterness, wickedness, wealth and riches that we pursue, acquire and revel in during our earthly race. One unifying moment and deepest mystery that defies all – high and mighty, rich and poor, strong and weak, kind or wicked – is death.
It encroaches unexpectedly but surely without fear of any status or position. My heart bleeds.
Nigerians and indeed the entire world have often heard or read about the horrifying attacks on Nigerians or Nigerians troops by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the northeast region, but they have rarely heard or read about an attack on the Nigerian troops orchestrated by members of a community on Nigerian troops who were deployed to protect them.
The sordid event that took place in Bomadi Local Government of Delta State on March 14 2024, will forever tug at the heart. It was the story of how a community mobilized its youths to launch an unprovoked attack on troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion of the Nigerian Army, who are stationed in the area.
The troops had gone to broker a peace between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State who were having communal crises. It was reported that the team led by the Commanding officer, Lt. Col. Ali, came under heavy attack by some youths in the community, leading to his death and that of two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers.
Shortly after the attack, the whole community deserted the area, leaving their homes and properties.
It however, remained unknown the reason behind such senseless, inexplicable and unprovoked attacks on the troops by those whom they were on ground to protect.
Pictures of slain Soilders
