Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Erstwhile Commissioner of Police, Lagos and Kano states commands, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has cautioned the military against reprisal attack the kind that was witnessed in Odi area of Bayelsa State and Zaki Biam massacre in Dura-Du area of Plateau State over the abduction and murder of Major General Idris Alkali (rtd).
While commending the
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukkur Buratai for his maturity in handling the issue, Tsav noted that the murder of Gen. Alkali was a serious temptation capable of eroding one’s faith in the protection of the Nigerian project.
In a letter addressed to the Army chief, the retired police boss said further urged the Army chief not to be deterred by the murder of Alkali, urging him not to give up in his efforts to make Nigeria a peaceful entity.
The letter reads in part;
“Let me start, by extending my condolences to you over the gruesome murder of Maj.Gen. Idris Alkali, by irate youths in Dura-Du district of Plateau state.
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“The callous and heartless lynching of one of the finest Army officers is barbaric, savagious, irresponsible, reprehensible and unacceptable.
“I appeal to use your good offices to impress on all the relevant security agencies never to relent, until justice is done to the late Army General by ensuring all the perpetrators fingered in the heinous act are arrested and prosecuted.
“The sad incident is a serious temptation, capable of eroding in your faith in the protection of your fatherland.
“But I plead it should rather rekindle your determination. We all know, your exemplary leadership of the counter-insurgency operations and Nigerian Army have proved convincingly of a rebranded Army and troops.
“The Army have executed this national assignment with dedication, patriotism, selflessness, uncommon determination and countless sacrifices to the admiration of Nigerians.
“I keep wondering why some Nigerians are under an incensed spell of bloodshed at no just cause.
“For Nigerians yet to grasp the full gravity of the incident of Dura-Du, such a pitiable betrayal of any member of the Armed Forces marks a black day in history.
“You should not wail any longer. There are million voices out there wailing on your behalf.
“Though still mourning the murder of Maj. Gen. Alkali, but I am consoled that you have proven to be a leader to your troops.
“And it does not matter whether they have retired or are still in active service for the nation.
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“Though the miscreants have intentionally denied the late Army General, the pleasure of a blissful post-retirement life; it is commendable you have taken steps to ensure Maj. Gen. Alkali, this gentleman officer gets justice.
“I am convinced that even in his grave, Maj.Gen. Alkali’s spirit will find respite, as his brave colleagues have vowed and would ensure his death will not be in vain by defending the territorial integrity of our dear nation.
“What happened in Dura-Du district had enough weight to replicate the Odi and Zaki Biam tragedies in reprisals, had your leadership failed to reform and re-professionalized the Nigerian Army. I applaud you very immensely for this show of love even to your enemies.
“Finally, on behalf of the Dura –Du community, I tender sincere apologies to you and the Nigerian Army over the heartless murder of Gen. Alkali and the treatment of his corpse like a common thief.
“I also console the family of the deceased and indeed, all Army officers who have paid the supreme price to insulate our country from the fangs of terrorism.”