The Eggon Nation and the people of Nasarawa State have been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic death of Lt. Col. Sule Idde Iliyasu, a distinguished officer of Eggon extraction.
Lt. Col. Iliyasu was killed alongside approximately 40 Nigerian soldiers during a series of brutal terrorist attacks in Borno State.
Until his death, Lt. Col. Iliyasu served as the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion. Reports indicate that he lost his life in Konduga during a coordinated, multi-front assault launched by militants of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram.
The terrorists reportedly launched simultaneous strikes on four military bases, Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte, in a sophisticated operation that began Thursday morning and lasted until the early hours of Friday.
The devastating loss has drawn a wave of condolences from across the country. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian military high command, and the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, have all issued statements honoring the fallen.
The Aren Eggon, HRH Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku (Rtd), also expressed profound grief, describing the late officer as a pride of the Eggon people and a gallant patriot.
Official tributes have hailed Lt. Col. Iliyasu and his men as brave heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Their commitment to the fight against insurgency remains a testament to the heavy price paid daily by members of the armed forces to ensure national security.
As the nation grapples with the scale of this loss, prayers are being offered for the eternal rest of the fallen soldiers and for the comfort of the families, colleagues, and loved ones they left behind.
The sacrifice of these officers stands as a somber reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace in Northeast Nigeria.
