By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims by Mrs Oluwaseun Sakaba, widow of the late Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba, that her husband was assassinated because he refused to loot funds meant for the fight against terrorism.
Arny Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said Col. Sakaba died a “painful death” in the war against terrorism.
The Director of the Army Public Relations made this known in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, August 12, 2021, in Abuja.
Describing Mrs Sakaba’s allegation as “unfounded and baseless claims devoid of any fact,” he stated: “The late senior officer’s widow was quoted to have made several uncomplimentary comments about the institution of the Nigerian Army.
“While the Nigerian Army is not interested in joining issues with anyone with respect to the enormous sacrifices made daily by our gallant troops, it is, however, expedient to address the weighty allegations credited to the widow.
“The Nigerian Army acknowledges the emotional agony associated with losing loved ones and that cannot be quantified by any unit of measure.”
Nwachukwu stressed that the demise of Col. Sakaba, like those of other officers and soldiers that have paid the supreme price in the war against terrorism in the North East, was a painful one to Nigerian Army.
He noted that men and women have died serving the nation to restore peace and stability in the North East, in tandem with the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Nwachukwu warned that it would be total mischief and an assault on the psyche of the fighting troops to begin to insinuate any plot against one of its own.
“And what is the plot here? That troops were led by their commander for an operational engagement is not a plot, as anyone may want to insinuate.
“Rather, it was a clear military mission with clear objective.
“It is however disheartening that this gallant officer and some of his men paid the supreme price in the operation and we pray fervently for the repose of their souls.
“Col. Sakaba was a respected senior officer who gave his all in the defence of the freedom we all enjoy today.
“His demise is a great loss to all of us. Insinuating anything contrary is a disservice to our nation and the sacrifices of our troops,” he said.
On the issue of entitlements, Mr Nwachukwu said available records revealed that the late officer’s son and only child, Samuel Ibrahim, his next of kin.
According to him, all entitlements meant to be paid by the Nigerian Army had been paid to the son through Mrs Sakaba.
He further explained that as at the time his entitlements were processed, Samuel Ibrahim was less than six years, and therefore, not qualified to benefit from army school sponsorship.
The Army Spokesman continued: “However, now that he has reached the required age, he has been captured for payment of school sponsorship which will commence any moment from now.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to sponsor the child’s education up to graduation from university, as long as he fulfils the requirements outlined in the rules guiding the scheme.
“The only entitlement owed Mrs Sakaba is the Group Life Assurance which is normally paid by the Insurance Company and which would soon be received along with that of other deceased personnel.
“There are also well established communication channels with families of deceased personnel.
“Army under the leadership of the COAS, will continue to pursue the welfare of troops who are working round the clock to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
“The Nigeria Army will not be deterred, but remain focused in its pursuit of excellence and in ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy their God-given right to live freely anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.