One of the four military officers brutally murdered in Okuama in Delta state, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa had barely spent three weeks in his new Area of Responsibility (AR) before his death came on Thursday, March 14, 2024, according to reports.
Shaffa, alongside 16 other officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the military Joint Task Force, JTF, Bomadi Division, including the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Ali, another Major, one Captain and 12 others, who were ambushed and killed during a rescue mission to Okuama to release a hostage.
The hostage was identified as Anthony Aboh from neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State who Okuama youths had held over a lingering land dispute.
Shaffa, according to sources, was a University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) alumnus, and hailed from Shaffa town in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno South, represented by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Senate).
He is survived by two children, a wife said to be pregnant and heavy, and two small children.
It was also gathered that the father of the deceased (Danjuma Shaffa) also died as a retired Major of the Nigerian Army some years ago in Borno State.
A family friend, Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, disclosed that the “late Shaffa, before paying the ultimate sacrifice, penultimate Thursday, had two children “while the wife is pregnant and is expecting delivery soon.”
Durkwa, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2019 general elections in Borno State, prayed “Allah (God) to grant Aljannatul Firdaus to the soul of the deceased officer and all officers and soldiers killed during the ambush”.
He called on proper investigation of the incident, saying anyone found wanting must face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent.
A brother of the slain Army officer, Mallam Hussain Danjuma, who formally announced the death in a social media post, said, “With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Allah, I inform the sudden death of our beloved brother Major SD SHAFFA.
“We pray that Allah will forgive and grant him eternal rest in this Holy month of Ramadan.
“May your soul rest in peace, dearest brother as you will be remembered”.
Another family member, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, said, “May Allah have mercy on Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa. May Allah lighten his grave, Amen”.
Amos Bwala, a friend of Shaffa, on his part, wrote on his Facebook page: “Innalillahi wainnailaihir rajiun. May Almighty Allah forgive our good friend and brother, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, who was ambushed n Delta State rabbi fagfirlahu warahamhu.”
Buba Ali, another friend, in an emotionally laden voice said, “The loss of the Nigerian soldiers in Delta State is unfortunate and terrible. We lost a gallant brother from Borno, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa. May their souls rest in peace.”