The remains of seven personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), ambushed and slain by bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government community of Kaduna State on Monday, 9 January 2023, while on routine duty of protecting a mining site in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State, were laid to rest.
A statement by Director of Public Relations NSCDC National headquarters, Abuja, DCC Olusola Odumosu, on Sunday said their corpses were handed over to families and loved ones at the NSCDC Kaduna Command after a brief interment ceremony.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, bid the officers and men goodbye when he paid his last respect at the lying in state ceremony, held on Saturday, 14 January, at the Kaduna State Command of the Corps.
Dr Audi expressed rude shock while consoling families, friends and loved ones on the sad loss and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Represented by the Commandant, Kaduna Command, Idris Yahaya Adah, the CG praised the efforts of the gallant officers who lost their lives in defence of the country and described them as “Heroes, never to be forgotten.”
Addressing people during the ceremony, Dr Audi said, “they died in active service, they fought a good fight to the last drop of blood in their veins to safeguard the country.
“Although the loss is painful and the tears are many, but God knows best.
“We cannot question God; therefore, let us live right, be in peace, love and harmony with our fellow men because one day, all of us will die.
He described the seven personnel who died as committed and dedicated members of the Corps who will be greatly missed by colleagues and friends at work.
“They paid the supreme price for the nation. They died for us. They are our heroes, and we shall always remember them.
“The world is saddened. The President and Commander in Chief is sad, officers and men of the Corps are also sad.
“What has happened has happened. We, however, look unto God, and pray for forgiveness of their sins and for acceptance on the last day,” he said.
The CG assures families and next of kins of the deceased of timely dispatch of benefits accruable to them.
He thanked the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, for remembering the Corps at this trying period.
According to Audi, “Mr. President’s condolence message motivated us greatly. It renewed our strength and rekindled our hope that we are not alone.
“This means a lot to us as a service and we are grateful for the support we are getting from the presidency, and we feel proud serving the nation.”
