Nigerians unappreciative of military efforts to contain insurgency – Buratai

FORMER Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has said the effort to contain insurgents by the Army under his command was not appreciated by Nigerians.

The ex-Army boss spoke in Kuta, Osun State, at an interdenominational prayer organised for him by Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, held in the Olowu’s palace.

Represented by two of his coursemates, Major Daniel Banjo (rtd) and Wing Commander Mamman Yusuf (rtd.), Buratai, who spoke through Banjo, disclosed the sacrifices he made during his tenure in the fight against insurgency.

Banjo said, “I remember, about three times, he (Buratai) called me in the middle of the night. He was at the warfront. He would call and say things are happening here and Nigerians are not appreciative of what we are doing.

“He wouldn’t sleep for weeks. He was ambushed three times and he jumped into the bush with his men, with Kalashnikov (AK-47 rifles) and they would be able to kill some and arrest some.”

Oba Oyelude said the people of the community would remain grateful to Buratai for the assistance he rendered towards the completion of a bridge linking the community to Ede.

“For decades, several prominent political office-holders have tried to help us construct the Ede/Kuta Bridge, but they could not. However, on bringing the request before Lt.-Gen. Buratai, he granted it and ensured it was built,” the Olowu said.

“This is enough of an achievement for me as a monarch. The bridge is almost 100 years old, and now, the communities in this area have been linked and the villagers are now liberated.”

He added, “My support for the army was borne out of the fact that Buratai is a detribalised Nigerian and the most humane to serve as Army boss.

“The nation can only enjoy peace if we support the army to succeed in its quest to battle insecurity irrespective of who is in control.”

Buratai then assured the community of continued relationship and support even after exiting the Army.

Prayers were offered for the ex-Army boss by Muslim and Christian clerics at the event attended by dignitaries from within and outside Osun State.