“His Life Was Cut Short”: Father Mourns 28-Year-Old Fallen Army Lieutenant
The family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer killed during a rescue operation in Oyo State, has spoken of the devastating loss, saying his death has shattered the hopes they had for his future.
The young officer died while leading troops in an operation that secured the release of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
While the mission ended with the safe rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity, it also claimed the lives of security personnel, including Lieutenant Isaac.
Speaking at the family’s residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, Adamawa State, his father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, said the family is yet to recover from the tragedy.
“His life was cut short at a time we expected him to achieve greater things,” he said, describing his son as a brilliant young officer whom the family and the community had looked up to.
There are conflicting accounts surrounding the circumstances of the officer’s death. While some reports indicate that the military convoy struck explosives planted along its route in the National Park area of Oyo State, others claim he stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by members of the Ansaru group during the operation.
Lieutenant Isaac, who was born on August 25, 1997, was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola on July 10.
His father also expressed disappointment that neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government officially briefed the family on how the young officer died.
He, however, commended serving and retired senior military officers who ensured his son’s body was released and transported to Yola for burial.
According to him, Lieutenant Isaac had only recently returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna State, and was preparing to report for another assignment in Sokoto before he was directed to lead the rescue operation.
The deceased’s cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described him as calm, intelligent and dedicated to national service, saying Nigeria had lost a promising officer with so much more to offer.
He appealed to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to support the bereaved family and called for the late officer to be immortalised in recognition of his sacrifice.
The Nigerian Army had earlier acknowledged that the rescue operation resulted in casualties among security personnel, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid tribute to the fallen officers, praying for the repose of their souls and comfort for their families.
The operation, led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, involved personnel from more than 10 security agencies and successfully secured the freedom of the abducted teachers and pupils.
