by George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission has described the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and several soldiers in Borno State as a devastating loss to the country, urging the government to ensure that frontline troops are not abandoned to the cruelty of insurgents.
General Uba was said to have led a team of soldiers on a routine patrol to secure communities in Wajiroko Azir Multi in Damboa Local Government Area when they were ambushed and killed by terrorists.
According to a statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, expressed shock over what he described as heart-rending incidents, saying the deaths of the senior officer and his men should reinforce national determination to end terrorism and stabilise affected communities. He said the Armed Forces must not be discouraged by the loss of these gallant personnel but should remain focused on the mission to secure the country.
Ojukwu called for a comprehensive documentation of all military personnel who have fallen victim to insurgency as part of efforts to provide healing and support to their families. He also advocated the adoption of transitional justice mechanisms already in use in some jurisdictions to resolve complex conflicts, noting that such approaches are faster, affordable, and capable of fostering reconciliation, forgiveness, and reintegration. He said these strategies hold strong potential for lasting peace in communities devastated by insurgency.
He urged residents of affected areas to work closely with the military by volunteering timely and useful information that would aid professional and effective operations. Ojukwu added that peace remains achievable when communities and security agencies operate with trust and shared commitment.
The statement also commended the Nigerian military for maintaining robust civil-military relations, a development Ojukwu said has significantly improved the mainstreaming of human rights principles in security operations across the country.
