Soldier killed by terrorists during attack on military checkpoint near Abuja 4 days after his mother was murdered by suspected herdsmen in Benue

One of the soldiers killed during attack on military checkpoint near Zuma Rock, the border between Abuja and Niger State, has been identified as Daniel Odih from Benue State. 

Recall that unknown number of soldiers were reportedly killed when Boko Haram terrorists attacked the checkpoint near Madalla town, on Thursday night, July 28. 

It was gathered that the terrorists arrived Zuma Rock on the axis of Madalla and Suleija along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, at about 8.30p.m., and took the soldiers by surprise, opening fire from different angles.

According to one Clement Excel, the mother of the slain soldier was slaughtered by suspected herdsmen on her farm on Monday, July 25, 2022.

“DOUBLE TRAGEDY BEFALL THE FAMILY OF LATE MR. SIMON ODIH OF OTUKPA. On Monday 25th July, 2022. His mother was gruesomely murdered in coldblooded by yet unidentified assailant right in her farm at Adumu Otukpa,” he wrote.

“Community and sympathies were thrown into mourning to unravel circumstances and perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“Tars flowed, hearts rended and bleed. Yet, Officer Daniel Odih could not had the opporturnity to mourn his MOTHER. Silently, he nurturned the brunt all alone. Hmmmm! As a brave soldier, He maintained his oath of office to defend his nation by whatever circumstances.

“Gallantly, he moved on dutifully in line of defence untill he paid the SUPREME PRICE for his NATION on 28th July, 2022 along Madala Zuba road at FCT, Abuja.

“OFFICER DANIEAL ODIH. Am in short of wods to express the vaccum you and your mother had created in the family. Both of you sunddenly left the world in a more tragic manner four days to each other. We love you both but God loves you most. May Almighty God grant both of you eternal rest in Christ Jesus. It is well with your soul.”

Also confirming the incident, one Ogbene Lucy Abraham wrotee: wrote: “I heard some soldiers were attacked last night at Zuma Rock checkpoint but I never knew it was you. We chatted yesterday and you were telling me how bad you felt about your mom who was killed three days ago in her farm. This is too hard for us Odih Daniel My heart is broken. RIP Oyine gallant officer, you’re a true soldier and you died at your POST.”