By Banji Ayoola
The Olowu of Kuta in Ayedire Local Government area of Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama has described the death of Colonel D.C. Bako, one of the commanders of Operation LAFIYA DOLE of the Nigerian Army in Borno State, in an ambush staged by Boko Haram, as a national tragedy.
The royal father, in a statement on Tuesday, said he received the news with shock and deep sorrow.
He therefore, condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai and the entire Nigerian Army on the loss.
He stated that “the fact that the colonel was said to have died in an ambush called for concern because an ambush suggested that the enemy knew of the moves by our officers and men.”
While praying for the repose of the soul of the dead, Oba Oyelude called on Borno elders and the generality of the people to actively support the efforts of the military to put an end to insurgency in that corridor. “Enough is enough,” he said.
Army authorities announced on Monday that Col. Bako was killed on Sunday 20 September at about 10 a.m by Boko Haram terrorists during an ambush against him and his men.
The traditional ruler recently reacted to the Senate’s call for the resignation of the service chiefs reminding the lawmakers that the problem the country faced demanded experience, which he said the current military leaders had been using effectively against the insurgents.
He suggested inducement to locals for credible Intelligence and anyone caught spying on troops should be treated like mutineers.
While confirming the death, the Nigerian Army described D.C. Bako as “one of our gallant and finest war heroes.”
The ambush near Damboa led to the death of Bako, who also commands an army brigade in Damboa.
Spokesman of the Nigeria Army’s Operation Lafiya Dole, Col Ado Isa, confirmed the death in a press statement, saying that Bako was until his death the commander of 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa.
Mr Isa said the colonel died in a military hospital where he was receiving treatment after the ambush.
Following is the full statement by Isa:
“Operation LAFIYA DOLE wishes to intimate the general public of the demise of one of our gallant and finest war heroes Col DC Bako. It could be recalled that the professional, gallant senior officer who always led from the front and a patriotic Nigerian, led a patrol to clear Boko Haram Terrorits from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa when his patrol team entered an ambush at about 10 a.m Sunday 20 September 2020. Under his able leadership, the troops cleared the ambush resulting to the killing of scores of terrorists and recovery of weapons and equipment.
“Sadly however, he was wounded in action and immediately evacuated by the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE to the 7 Division Hospital at Maimalari Cantonment. The late senior officer was recuperating well after successful operation at the hospital, in good spirit and also said his prayers in the early hours of this morning before his sad passing at the hospital. May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest. Ameen.
“The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai on behalf of himself, gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and indeed well meaning Nigerians hereby express his heartfelt condolences to his esteemed family. We are most grateful for his contributions and sacrifices to the motherland. May God grant eternal rest to the gentle soul of Col DC Bako and the souls of all Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who paid the supreme prize in the defence of our father land.”
