Controversial former Minister of Aviation, Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode has condemned what he called an attempt by the Federal Government and military authorities to cover up the “fact that 105 of our soldiers” were killed in battle by Boko Haram insurgents.
Fani-Kayode, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, took to Twitter on Wednesday to express disdain for the way in which the soldiers, whom he said deserved to be treated with dignity even in death, were buried in un-dignifying circumstances by the Nigerian military authorities and later denied.
It will be recalled that the Nigeria Army late last week denied that the force lost 105 soldiers in the war against terror.
In an interview with Vanguard on November 20, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said: “It is not true that our soldiers are missing. The soldiers went on a mission for the Nigerian nation and they have since returned and joined their Battalions.”
Reports had said that the 157 Battalion of the Nigeria Army had been attacked by the insurgents in Gudunbali area of Borno state on November 18, and could not account for about 105 of its men.
See Fani-Kayode’s tweets…
The most reprehensible thing that our govt. can do is to cover-up the fact that 105 of our soldiers were killed by BH in battle.It is evil.
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
A soldier ought to be honored in death and this is especially so if he dies in the course of doing his duty and fighting for his nation.
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
The govt. has not only dishonored them by not acknowledging their sacrifice but they have also buried them in the wilderness like rabid dogs
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
This is wickedness of the highest order and Pres. Buhari, his Chief of Army Staff and his Min. of Defence should bury their heads in shame.
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
Anyone that buys the lie and propaganda that the 105 soldiers never died and that they are still alive is a compound fool or village idiot.
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
Will the military also deny the fact that 2 days ago 34 of our soldiers were killed by BH. These boys died for their country. Why deny them?
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
I am outraged by the fact that a soldier will sacrifice his life for his country yet the citizens of that country dont even appreciate it.
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
Pictures were posted. Everyone in the military knows they are dead. It is an open secret. Yet because govt denies it so many just believe.
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 25, 2015
Government magic (in Fela’s voice)