Wife Narrates Last Words of Murdered Captain Aliyu Hajji
Captain Aliyu Hajji, a Nigerian military officer killed in an ambush in Plateau State on Friday, March 13, has been laid to rest. The soldier, originally from the Anguar-kura community in Lokoja, Kogi State, died alongside colleagues and local vigilantes in the Garga area of Kanem Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Family Mourns a Heroic Loss
The family of the deceased has expressed profound grief, describing his death as a monumental loss to them, Kogi State, and Nigeria. Alhaji Danladi Abdulsalam, Dan Maliki of Lokoja, and the family head have lamented the demise, honoring Captain Hajji as a hero who sacrificed his life while serving the nation.
Alhaji Musa Tanimu Nasidi, another family member, highlighted that the captain's death underscores the heavy price paid by Armed Forces personnel defending the country. He revealed that Captain Hajji's final moments involved a phone conversation with his wife before the ambush.
Final Phone Call and Tragic Discovery
According to Nasidi, the captain informed his wife during the call that he was returning from a routine patrol in Garaga, Kyaram, and Gyambau communities, promising to be back shortly. After hours of waiting without his return, his wife attempted to contact him on his special line but received no response.
Shortly thereafter, an assailant used the captain's phone to call his wife, informing her that her husband had been killed. This chilling revelation has added to the family's anguish and sparked widespread outrage.
Public Outcry and Security Concerns
Nigerians have reacted strongly to the incident, voicing concerns over the safety of military personnel and broader security issues. Comments on social media include:
- Johnbobby questioned why trained soldiers are falling victim to bandits: "Why are Nigerian soldiers being killed by rag-tag bandits after years of training?"
- Vitus Lyke criticized the federal government for perceived negligence: "The government doesn't care about soldiers' lives. May his soul rest in peace."
- Square Circle warned of escalating threats: "Nigerians are asleep until bandits announce a takeover from Aso Rock."
- Joseph Isibor pointed to internal security breaches: "There are terrorist informants within the Nigerian military, no doubt."
The incident has reignited debates on military preparedness and the need for enhanced security measures to protect those on the front lines.
