The family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the Nigerian Army officer killed during the operation that rescued abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, has expressed deep grief over his death, describing him as the hope of the family and a promising officer whose life was cut short in active service.
The 28-year-old officer died on July 10 while leading troops in the military operation that secured the release of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School before being taken into the forest by terrorists.
There are conflicting accounts of how the young officer lost his life. While some reports claimed his convoy struck an improvised explosive device planted in the Old Oyo National Park, others alleged he stepped on a landmine planted by Ansaru terrorists believed to be behind the abduction.
Lt. Isaac, who was born on August 25, 1997, was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State.
His father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, described the loss as devastating, saying the family had expected the young officer to attain greater heights in the military.
He also lamented that neither the Nigerian Army nor the Oyo State Government officially informed the family about the circumstances surrounding his son’s death. However, he commended serving and retired senior military officers who ensured the officer’s remains were released and transported to Yola for burial.
According to the bereaved father, Lt. Isaac had only recently returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna State, and was preparing to proceed to Sokoto for another assignment before he was directed to lead the rescue mission in Oyo.
Appealing for support, he urged the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to stand by the officer’s family, noting that he paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.
The late officer’s cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described him as calm, intelligent and dedicated to duty, calling on the authorities to immortalise him in recognition of his sacrifice.
Following the successful rescue operation, the Nigerian Army acknowledged that security forces recorded casualties during the mission, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid tribute to the fallen personnel, praying for the repose of their souls and comfort for their families.