Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has condoled with the families and colleagues of the late Brig.-Gen. Dzarma Zirkusu and three other soldiers killed on Saturday while battling insurgents.
Fintiri, in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, on Sunday in Yola, commended the bravery of the special forces with the support of other troops who repelled the attack by the insurgents.
“Gen. Zirkusu and the three others were brave soldiers who died in the line of duty while fighting terrorists,” Fintiri said.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy and that of the government and people of Adamawa to the families and loved ones of the fallen heroes.
“I stand with you. Nigeria stands with you. I deeply appreciate the sacrifice made by your loved ones in defence of our democracy, our peace and our security,” Fintiri said.
He urged Adamawa people and Nigerian citizens to remember the families of the fallen heroes and to always pray that their souls rest in peace.
The Governor also urged the families, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff to take heart and bear the irreparable loss knowing that their loved ones died in active service and paid the supreme sacrifice.
“We will not be cowed by these cowards. Our Armed Forces will continue to fulfil our mission, to defeat terror. Our soldiers’ blood will not be shed in vain.”
He expressed confidence that the day was coming when Nigerians would look back at this moment in history and say “Thank God there were courageous people willing to serve because they laid the foundation for peace for generations to come.”
He praised the heroism of the late Zirkusu and troops fighting terrorism in Nigeria.
“We are on track to victory against evil. My thoughts and prayers go out to families of troops killed in war every day, not just on the loss of these brave soldiers, but all who laid their lives in supreme sacrifice for the freedom of Nigeria,” Fintiri said.
The late Zirkusu before the attack was the Commanding Officer the 28 Task Force Brigade in Chibok, Borno.