- Her husband fell to gunmen who ambushed him
Hauwa Ali, widow of the late Lt. Col A.H Ali, firmly asserted that none of her children will pursue a military career in light of her husband’s tragic demise in Okuama community, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Ali’s widow emphasized that her late husband had already made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria.
The nation, including the federal government, the Nigerian army, and citizens at large, was stunned by the loss of 17 military personnel during a peacekeeping mission amid the communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba.
The officers and soldiers tragically perished on Thursday, March 14, 2024, falling victim to gunmen who ambushed them and looted their weapon.
Speaking about the dignified personality and selfless service of her late husband, Ali, the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Hauwa said, “Words cannot describe him because he was everything to us. He was a man of his words, dedicated to both his family and work.
“Apart from his family, he sacrificed his life for Nigeria, and that’s the price he has paid. I pray that wherever he is God, would continue to be with him.
“His dedication to humanity is one thing I will always remember. No matter how he was, once he was called to work, he would make sure he fulfilled it.”
When asked if she would allow some of her children to join the military in future, she said, “I will not advise any of his children to be in the military. Their father has already sacrificed his life for the country.”
Hauwa said Ali’s murder devastated her, adding that she never knew the peace mission he went to would be his last assignment for the country, as he called her when he was leaving.
“We know that death is inevitable. As Muslim we have to die at some point and time, but I am really shattered by the way my husband was killed. He called me that very day and told me that he was going for a peace mission. I never knew that it was the last time we would speak.
“Nobody could call to tell me the news until Saturday. I was called from the State House,” she added.