Mrs. Buhari consoling a parent of one of the slain soldiers (Photo: FEMI IPAYE)

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has commiserated with the families of late Lt.-Col. Mohammad Abu-Ali and six others who died in the battle field.

Mrs Buhari offered her condolences to the families during the burial of the soldiers on Monday at the Military Cemetry in Abuja.

The wife of the President, who was among top dignitaries that attended the burial, also interacted with the families of the slain soldiers.

She said the soldiers died as heroes and would remain in her mind and the minds of Nigerians.

Mrs Buhari commended the efforts of Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali and his colleagues for the successful return of some of the Chibok girls and other persons held in captivity by the insurgents.

She prayed for the repose of the slain soldiers’ souls, saying that late Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali and his colleagues paid the supreme price.

The wife of the President, who was accompanied by the wife of the Senate President,
Mrs Toyin Saraki, said that the soldiers laid their lives for peace and security in the North East.

Also in her entourage were the wives of Borno, Kebbi and Kogi State governors, Mrs Nana Shettima, Mrs Zainab Bagudu and Mrs Rashidat Bello respectively, as well as wives of some ministers.

The families of the slain soldiers were later presented with the National Gorail for fallen heroes by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The presentation was performed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who represented the President at the burial ceremony.

The slain soldiers are Late Lt. Col. Mohammad Abu-Ali, Patrick Paul (SM), Salihu Lawal (PRT), Hussaini Jafaru (SGT), Muazu Ibrahim (SGT), Bassey Okon (SGT) and Chukwu Simon (CPL). (NAN)