Top Newspaper Report-Tears as Ombatse slain DSS officers are honoured.

IT was a tearful farewell, made strong by a soul-searing cry for justice as families, friends and colleagues gathered to honour 10 of the security officers who were recently ambushed and killed by suspected members of the Ombatse cult in Alakyo, Nasarawa State.

Collectively, the Heads of security agencies and the National Security Adviser (NSA) declared that they would not succumb to criminals and terrorists in the country.

A service of songs was organised by the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for slain officers.

Nonetheless, former Director General of the National Security Organization (NSO), Mohammed Abdullahi demanded the levelling of the shrine of the leader of the Ombaste cult that killed the service men and other security officers. 

He also stated that the head
of the shrine should be arrested and not to be allowed to walk free, granting press interviews. He accused human rights organizations of not being fair to security agencies.

He said: "If a security man is killed, it becomes a number, but if a Boko Haram or an accomplice is killed, it becomes violation of human rights. “

The Heads of the Security Agencies that were there among others include: National Security Adviser, rtd. Col. Sambo Dasuki, Chief of Defence Staff, Director General of DSS, Director General of NIA, Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, Commandant General, NSCDC and the Corps Marshall, FRSC. 

Everyone of them spoke on the security situations in the country, condemning the activities of insurgents and all kinds of criminality in the country, while condoling with the families of the fallen DSS officers.

President. Goodluck Jonathan was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mike Oghadomie. Also at the event were the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Udoma Egba; Deputy Governor of Nassarawa State, Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Chairman of DAAR Communications, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi.

Before the speeches that provoked anger and sympathy, there was a candlelight procession at the DSS Headquarters, Yellow House for the deceased. 

Speaking on behalf of the President, Oghiadome condoled with the DSS and the families of the deceased, and said: "The blood of the young men killed would not be in vain. The DSS has been most wonderful; you have been a source of pride to the President and to the country,” adding: “"Don't be deterred by this set back, it is for the entire country".

For the NSA, the death of the officers would not be in vain.

He said, "We will do what we are supposed to do. Your deaths would not be in vain and our prayers are for your families".

The DSS DG, Ekpenyong Ita said: "For the rest of us here, in this moment of sorrow, adversity and temptation, let us in unison agree not to buckle or be cowed. Never ever has evil triumphed over good. We will remain resolute, determined and focused. 

Therefore for the sake of our colleagues and the survival of our country, we will never raise the white flag, those who do not wish this country well must.”

He declared further: "To those who could only kill the body, note that you have made your community an ignoble sepulchre of innocent law enforcement agents, and that even though our spirits and will are cast in iron, yet we have forgiven you. We have obediently handed you over to the Almighty God since he taught us that vengeance is mine.

"To the wives, parents and children of our fallen heroes, I want to thank you sincerely for your candour, deep sense of sacrifice and understanding. I know it is hard and very painful. Please rest assured that you will never walk alone".

The officers that were ambushed and killed on 7th May with other security men were: Salihu Shununu. Mohammed Isah Gobir, Thomas Namsule. Terzungure, Julius Ber, Darfu Nandu Timma, Nimsel Ponfa, Aliyu Shehu, Daniel John Paul, Benjamin Abi and Paul Samuel. 

Also speaking at the event, the. Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Deputy Governor of Nassaraw State emphasised the need for justice.

According to them, those that perpetrated the dastardly acts must be brought to book.