The state burial of Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali and six other military men (Seargent Mu’azu Ibrahim, Seargents Muazu Ibrahim, Bassey Okon, Hussani Jafaru, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Private Salisu Lawal and Seaman Patrick Paul), who died at the hands of Boko Haram terrorists on Friday, took place today.

Nigerians mourned at the passing of these heroes with moving tributes,while our dear President Buhari elected to be in Edo state, celebrating the outgoing Governor Adams Oshiomole’s achievements while in office.

One of the tributes in Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali’s honour, which went viral on Facebook painted the Colonel as a deliverer; a man who put the needs of his troops ahead of his own, inspired confidence among soldiers and changed outcomes. Do see below:

“O Allah! Muhammad Abu Ali, my brother, my friend and my boss. A humble, simple and epitome of humility. You were indeed a source of inspiration, a confidence builder and a game changer. When people mention only Baga as your success, I said how??? Because Baga is the least of your treasures. You started from Yola axis which you cleared and liberated all the communities under Boko Haram Terrorists. You were later moved to Borno to continue when all loc were under the control of BHT less konduga and damboa. You led the operation to capture Mongunu n later Baga. You were brought to us in Konduga when we failed to move forward after several attempt and we were pushed back by BHT on that axis. With your arrival, everything changed. You led us thru Yale to capture Bama, Banki junc, Pulka and Gwoza.

“I remember when you used to tell us gentlemen just follow me behind and do only 5 per cent and I will do the 95%.  You were the first to enter Sambisa after you led the capture of Yemteke and Bita when Bita became impossible. You led the advance into Sambisa and rescued the first 296 women. They sent a helicopter to carry you from there for you to lead another offensive to capture Gamborun Ngala. A job you accomplished without hesitation.”

As @ Murtalabin put it so eloquently, “in death Lt. Col. Abu Ali has united Nigerians and made us all to see the sacrifices our troops make daily.”

Photos of @aishambuhari and @toyinsaraki At the funeral service of Lt Col. Abu Ali pic.twitter.com/OZZ909Ehcy

— Bamikole Banks Omisore (@MrBanksOmishore) November 7, 2016

The fallen.

& I've the nerve to complain about a radiator cap. Rest in peace, fallen Nigerian soldiers. Until we meet again…#RIP pic.twitter.com/lCbLSuarP2

— Temisan Okomi (@temiokomi) November 7, 2016

The Men Who Gave All! Rest in Peace! pic.twitter.com/zB7ZUeSo3v

— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) November 7, 2016

Poignant moment when General Buratai, in the oration, called Lt. Col. Abu Ali a 'General'. #RIPheroes

— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) November 7, 2016

Every Soldier's spouse nightmare is the day, CO knocks at the Door to inform U that ur love one has made the ultimate sacrifice for country.

— MURTALA ?? (@MurtalaIbin) November 7, 2016

These guys gave their all to secure the country for all and sundry to live a normal life. It's unfortunate that the President didn't attend.

— Muhd Ibrahim Abba (@el_bonga) November 7, 2016

Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's heroes make both Home & Abroad .

— MURTALA ?? (@MurtalaIbin) November 6, 2016

See the kinda love soldiers had for him,May your soul RIP, May Almighty God accept you as a martyr, Rest in peace our National Hero pic.twitter.com/rLTnIbNHxy

— MUSTAPHA (@angry_ustaaz) November 5, 2016

Imagine how these soldiers would be feeling now at the death of a hero they got to know and respect. @MBuhari be with them. They need you https://t.co/CtZBTLWC9o

— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) November 7, 2016

#HappeningNow burial of our fallen heroes pic.twitter.com/i0PEBrRhK7

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) November 7, 2016

Lt. Col. Abu Ali is our collective Hero, what is left is naming a National and historical structure after him, he deserves ALL the Love!! https://t.co/0UDTFJSnXy

— al-ameenu (@Aminugmm) November 7, 2016

Our flag does not fly because the wind blows it,it flies with the last breath of every soldier who died defending it

— MURTALA ?? (@MurtalaIbin) November 7, 2016

May the labours of our heroes past never be in vain.
Ijeoma.