The family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the Nigerian Army officer who lost his life during the operation that rescued dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, has spoken publicly for the first time, describing his death as a painful sacrifice and calling for greater support from the authorities.
The 28-year-old officer was killed on July 10 while leading troops involved in the operation that secured the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims had been kidnapped on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School before being taken into a forest, where they remained in captivity until security forces carried out the rescue operation.
Although the military has yet to issue a detailed official account of how the officer died, conflicting reports have emerged. While some accounts claimed his convoy struck explosives planted near the National Park area of Oyo State, others suggested he stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by Ansaru fighters linked to the kidnappers.
Lieutenant Isaac was laid to rest with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State.
Speaking to Daily Trust during a condolence visit to the family’s residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, the deceased officer’s father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, said the family was still struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss.
“It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy. How much more a brilliant, young officer whom our family and community looked up to?” he said.
“His life was cut short at a time we expected him to achieve greater things.”
According to Alabura, his son symbolised hope for both the family and the community, adding that his death has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
The retired soldier also expressed disappointment that neither the Nigerian Army nor the Oyo State Government had officially briefed the family on the exact circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
He, however, acknowledged the efforts of four serving and retired senior military officers, whom he credited with ensuring that his son’s remains were released and transported to Yola for burial after reports that he might have been buried in Oyo State.
Recalling the events leading to the operation, Alabura revealed that his son had only recently completed a military training programme and was preparing for another deployment before his plans changed.
“He had just returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji and was preparing to report to Sokoto for another assignment,” he said.
“Around 3 p.m., he was instead directed to lead the rescue operation in Oyo.”
He appealed to both the Nigerian Army and the Oyo State Government to provide adequate support to the family, stressing that Lieutenant Isaac paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and deserved to be honoured.
Also speaking, the late officer’s cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described him as a disciplined, intelligent and dedicated soldier whose future was filled with promise.
“When he decided to join the Nigerian Army, we all believed he would rise through the ranks and contribute to improving the country’s security. Sadly, that dream has been cut short,” Eweh said.
“We have lost a beloved family member, and Nigeria has also lost a promising officer who still had so much to offer.”
Eweh urged the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to support the bereaved family and immortalise the late officer in recognition of the sacrifice he made during the successful rescue mission.
Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, who hailed from Kola Ward in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, died while leading one of the operations that ultimately secured the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers after weeks in captivity.
