The #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group will on Saturday, November 12, 2016 hold a special sit-out for the fallen military officers and their families.

In a press release signed by the BBOG spokesperson, Sesugh Akume, the group stated that as a movement, it had always expressed gratitude to the soldiers who have continued to protect the nation adding that with the passing on at the weekend and final interment of widely- and highly-regarded Lt Col Muhammad Abu Ali and his colleagues, it became imperative that the group will once more remember them.

“The passing on at the weekend and final interment of widely- and highly-regarded Lt Col Muhammad Abu Ali and his colleagues has been a turning point for Nigerians and the world to appreciate the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and their families.

“This instructs that our movement should stop for a day, and pay due acknowledgement to our soldiers at the frontlines of the counterinsurgency war, and their families for their sacrifice. Lt Col Abu Ali was definitely a hero as were many others whose gallantry none of us ever knew nor heard about. As there are others we may never know about.

“As a movement, our deference for, and gratitude to our soldiers has been in our culture. From the outset in May 2014, ‘Citizens Solution to End Terrorism’ document started advocating for our soldiers. Aside our special events on Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 15 January 2015 and 2016, as a movement there are many evidences of our celebration of their gallantry, of our focus on their welfare, and efforts for justice to be done them by their establishment.

“The exigencies of the moment make it obvious that we cannot wait for nine weeks (the next Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 15 January 2017) to honour the sacrifices of our fallen troops and their families”.

“There shall there be a special sit-out on Saturday 12 November 2016, 5 pm at Unity Fountain Abuja dedicated exclusively for this cause,” the statement said.

The group therefore called on men and women in uniform both in and out of service, families and the public to join in the special sit-out.

“We invite all men and women in uniform both in and out of service, families whose members have served in the military or are serving, as well friends and the public to join in this patriotic programme to mourn and celebrate the valour and service of our fallen heroes at this occasion,” it said.