According to Sunday Vanguard research, the late Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa died on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after only three weeks in his new Area of Responsibility (AR).
Shaffa was among the officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the military Joint Task Force, JTF, Bomadi Division, who were ambushed and killed during a rescue mission to Okuama to free a hostage.
The hostage was identified as Anthony Aboh, a resident of the neighboring Okoloba community in Delta State’s Bomadi Local Government Area, who Okuama youths had kidnapped over a long-standing land dispute.
According to sources, Shaffa was a University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) alumnus from Shaffa town in the Hawul Local Government Area of Borno South, which is represented by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.
He is survived by two children, a wife who is claimed to be pregnant and heavy, and two little children.
Meanwhile, Sunday Vanguard learned that the deceased’s father (Danjuma Shaffa) died as a retired Major of the Nigerian Army in Borno State a few years ago.
Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, a family acquaintance, told our correspondent that the “late Shaffa, before paying the ultimate sacrifice, penultimate Thursday, had two children, while the wife is pregnant and expecting delivery soon.”
Durkwa, a former other Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State’s 2019 general elections, prayed, “Allah (God) grant Aljannatul Firdaus to the soul of the deceased officer and all officers and soldiers killed during the ambush.”
He urged for a thorough investigation of the incident, stating that anyone found wanting should suffer the full wrath of the law to act as a deterrence.
Mallam Hussain Danjuma, the killed Army officer’s brother, revealed his death in a social media post, saying, “With a heavy heart and entire surrender to the will of Allah, I tell the sudden demise of our beloved brother Major SD SHAFFA.
“We pray that Allah would pardon him and grant him eternal rest during this Holy Month of Ramadan.
“May your soul rest in peace, dearest brother as you will be remembered” .
Another family member, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, stated, “May Allah have mercy on Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa.” May Allah lighten his burial, Amen.
Shaffa’s pal, Amos Bwala, posted on his Facebook page: “Innalillahi wainnailaihir rajiun.” May the Almighty Allah forgive our good buddy and brother, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, who was ambushed in Delta State.
Buba Ali, another acquaintance, added in an emotionally charged tone, “The loss of Nigerian soldiers in Delta State is tragic and terrible. We lost a brave brother from Borno, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa. May their spirits rest peacefully.”
In a related development, Ndume and Dr. Midala Usman Balami, a member of the Hawul/Askira-Uba Federal Constituency, have urged authorities to promptly apprehend the perpetrators of the deaths while strongly condemning the event.
According to a statement signed by Ndume’s spokesman, Junaid Maiva, the senator “has been deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, whom he described as a brave military officer”.
The Senate Whip went on to say, “Major Shaffa, whose recent deployment took him to Delta State, was killed in a devastating ambush alongside fellow military officers and soldiers after a successful mission.”
“The news of his death has placed a veil of sadness over Senator Ndume and the entire country.
“Senator Ndume paid tribute to the late Major Shaffa, describing him as a true patriot who embodied the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.”
“The senator advised Major Shaffa’s family, friends, and constituents in southern Borno to take consolation in knowing that their beloved relative dedicated his life to serving mankind and preserving the nation’s sovereignty.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and the constituents of southern Borno, we stand in solidarity with the family and friends of the late military officer” .
Balami, in a statement he personally signed, stated, “It is with great regret that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Major Danjuma Shaffa and the heroic soldiers who died while on a peacekeeping operation in Delta State. This death is a big loss for the Nigerian Army and the entire nation.
“Major Danjuma Shaffa was a devoted soldier who dedicated his life to serving his country. He was a role model and inspiration to many, and his loss has left a huge hole in our hearts.
“We condemn this senseless act of violence and urge the appropriate authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.” Our soldiers’ sacrifices will not be in vain, and we will continue to support the courageous men and women in military who work relentlessly to keep our country safe and secure.
“Once again, I extend my sympathies on behalf of the people of Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency and pray for the repose of Major Danjuma Shaffa’s soul and all the deceased patriots.”
