Army set to hold private burial for soldiers killed by Boko Haram in Metele
There’s an air of sober reflection in Nigeria as the Army gets ready to hold a private burial on Friday for the fallen soldiers who were killed by Boko Haram in the infamous Metele attack.
An attack by a faction of Boko Haram known as Islamic State of West Africa Province on the 157 Task Force Battalion of Nigeria Army had resulted in heavy casualty on the part of the military in Borno last month.
The soldiers killed in action will be reportedly buried in Maiduguri on Friday in the privacy of military officials and some members of their families.
One of the soldiers’ widow confirmed that she has received invitation for the burial and complained about the absurdity of bidding farewell to the men who made the ultimate sacrifice in such a hush manner.
But a colonel, anonymously told Punch that the military intentionally chose the option of private burial to conceal the true number of casualties.
“Gen Buratai said only 23 soldiers were killed in the attack. He also put the number of troops wounded in action at 31. However, we all know that is not true. Over 100 were killed and a private burial is now being organised in order not to expose their lies,” he is quoted as saying.
The fight against Boko Haram and insurgency is still ongoing in the Northeast of Nigeria. While many soldiers have lost their lives in trying to rid the country of terrorists, the government remains optimistic that it is winning the war.
