Former Commanding Officer of 272 Battalion of the Nigerian Army who died on Friday is to be bestowed with the posthumous rank of One-Star General by the Nigerian President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari.
This was contained in a resolution of the House of Representatives on Tuesday in a motion moved by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, under matters of urgent public importance.
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammadu Abu Ali, a Prince of Bassa-Nge kingdom of Kogi State, was hacked to death by the men of the Boko Haram sect on Friday, alongside six other soldiers, namely: Sgt. Mu’azu Ibrahim, Sgt. Hussain Jafaru, Sgt. Bassey Okon, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Able Seaman Patrick Paul and Pvt. Salisu Lawal.
The Green Chamber of the National Assembly also resolved that each of the 6 slain soldiers should be promoted posthumously, in lieu of their next rank of service.
After entertaining comments and eulogies from the Honourable Members, the House also resolved that President Buhari should award Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu-Ali and the other 6 slain Soldiers National Honours, in recognition of their “uncommon bravery and service in protecting the country’s territorial integrity, for which they have paid the ultimate price”.
While observing a minute silence in honour of the soldiers, the Lawmakers also urged federal government to offer the spouse of Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu-Ali and those 6 others, automatic employment and their children educational scholarship to the highest level.
Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu-Ali shall be remembered for his gallant role in liberating Monguno, Baga, New Marte, Bama, Gwoza, Banki Junction, Gamboru-Ngala, Yale, Yanteke, Bita, Deruwa, Daira Kangaruwa and Mallam Fatori from the shackles of the Boko Haram sect.
It is also on record that it was the young Lieutenant Colonel that put his bravery to test in dislodging the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents from the famous evil forest, Sambisa.
His exceptional gallantry earned him accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel in September 2015.
Born in the year 1980, the Young gallant Officer is survived by a wife, 3 children aged between 1 and 5, siblings and parents.
His father, Brigadier General Abu Ali, has himself served this great nation as an outstanding military officer and Military Governor of Bauchi State, and presently serving his community as traditional ruler, Etsu of Bassa-Ngekingdom in Kogi State.
