President Buhari, Fintiri, CDS, Boss, Mourn Gen. Zirkusu, 6 Others Killed By ISWAP, Boko Haram Insurgents

Daily Rendezvous

The president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, alongside other national leaders have mourned the sudden death of Gen. Dzarma Kennedy Zirkushu alongside six other officers and men who were gunned down by the men of the ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgents at Askira Uba, on the 13th of November, 2021 in Borno state, Nigeria.

Buhari while comforting their families said, their legacy and the sacrifice they made in the fight against insurgency and for Nigeria, will not be forgotten.

He made the remarks at the funeral service of Gen.Dzarma Kennedy Zirkushu, and the other six fallen heroes, at the Protestant Military Church of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, Adamawa state.

President Buhari said, "I was extremely sad to hear of the demise of your husband and soLdiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in a rare display of gallantry as they try to protect their compatriots in the war against terrorists.

"Indeed Nigeria has lost great soldiers, I solute their courage may their soul rest in peace.

"The death as devastating as it was, will remain memorable in the fight against insurgency.

"I will also like to commisirate with with the COAS Maj.Gen Farouk Yahaya to accept my heartfelt condolences and members of the family who lost their lives.

"I pray to God for the families of the slain soldiers to have the courage the bare the loss."

Speaking at the occasion, the Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Umaru said, the Adamawa state government and its people are proud to associate with Late Gen Zirkushu for laying down his life for the nation.

Fintiri laments that, "It has remained one death too many in a needless war.  

"For us in Adamawa State, it was a dark Saturday and one of the most awful in Nigeria’s campaign against the terrorists. A substantial part of Zirkushu’s command is the Northern part of Adamawa. 

"The command is responsible for the relative peace we now enjoy in the Local Governments of Madagali and Michika. 

"The Command has not only provided the right protection and security for the communities but reinforced resilience in our people living in that part of the State. 

"This indeed is a major setback in the counterinsurgency campaign. In Zirkushu’s death, we have lost a son and a patriot; a highly decorated soldier and an outstanding Commander whose onslaught against the dreaded insurgents has rekindled the hopes of our communities and rebuilt the broken lives of our People.  

  

"Since the ill-fated event, I took out time to talk to all that were close to the General. The testimonies of his colleagues and the soldiers he Commanded only confirms the monumental magnitude of this loss. He was a thorough professional, cool-headed and brave. 

"A wonderful officer – tough on the outside and sensitive on the inside. Always on hand to render assistance and care for his soldiers. He demonstrated pride in everything he did with courage and devotion to duty. From the family and close associates, being a soldier was his life. It was what he ever wanted to do. 

"It was what he gallantly died doing. He died to protect the life we live. 

"General Zirkushu was a son every parent would be lucky to have; a kind of person parents would want their daughters to meet.

  

"On behalf of the Government and the Good People of Adamawa State, I commiserate with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, for losing a field Commander. 

"I commiserate with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, for losing an officer and a fine one at that."

The government and people of Borno represented by the Head of Service, Simon Malgwi, sympathised with the families of the deceased and the Nigeria. Army dor the loss.

Malgwi said the slain soldiers have worked for the country and Borno state leaving behind good legacy

"They have worked for the nation, Borno state and left behind good legacy."

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, at the funeral service of Zirkusu described the general as a rare and gallant officer, who distinguished himself in every sphere of his work as a military officer.

Boss said, "Late Gen. Zirkushu was synonymous with gallantry. His gallantry was recognized in all his endeavor and his gallantry was borne out of duty and the desire to serve his father's land.

"He was a general who embodies compassion and kindness. 

"His simplicity was humbling and served as model for all to emulate.

"To his family, I say this, God is the father of the fatherless and husband to the widow.

"He paid the supreme sacrifice to protect us and help us sleep with our eyes closed and my prayer is that his sacrifice will not be in vain."

In a letter of tribute to Gen. Zirkushu, the chief of army staff, General Lucky Irabor said, "It is with heavy heart that we received the sad news of the call to eternal glory of your beloved husband, Brigadier Gen. Dzarma Kennedy Zirkushu.

"It is note worthy to mention that your late husband who lived an impactful and fulfilling life was a distinguished gentleman officer who served the Nigerian Army meritoriously at various capacities."

Some of the officers and men killed by the Boko Haram insurgents at Askira Uba include, Late Brigadier General D S Zirkushu, Major Luka Barde, Lt. Usman A.Usman, Lance Corporal Simon Solomon,  Pte. Chagumeji Victor, and Pte. Danyaro Umar.