First thing that stuck me about today was, its a work free day. After doing some chores, I laid down to rest; then I started thinking about the situation surrounding the holiday.

Its the Armed Forces Remembrance day. Men and Women of the Military who had died in the line of service are being remembered. "Well, its an age long tradition, mostly for personnels who died during the civil war" I shrugged.

Then I remember Cpl Ade, the man who moved into my former apartment in the barracks. I remembered L/Cpl Simon, the husband of my neighbour and father to her 6 months old child. Then Baba Stanley, Baba Joy, Mama Ayo. One thing they all had in common was that they were died. Killed in combat !

Well its what we all signed up for, I thought. So I tried burying the thought and forcing myself to sleep until I remembered my Ustaz. The man who taught me to be able to read the words of my Lord, the Qur'an. He was among the over 100 soldiers who made a 'tactical manuever' into Chad. He was stuck in a river when crossing and left to die, but one brave colleague went back to help him. The fear of losing a man I loved so much made me sit up.

Then it stated coming to me. Pte. Ahmed, the son of the woman whom I bought bread from every morning is still in Borno. Adamu, my good friend and buddy is still in the North East theatre. 'Oga Sunday' who is more or less a senior brother was attacked few weeks back and is still recovering. Sgt. 'Mama Ade' just returned few months back, what would have happened to her 4 children if she was killed; she is a single mother. WO. 'Baba Ola' just returned from Mali few months back, the stories he told werent funny. WO. 'Baba Destiny' returned from Liberia as well, but less than a month after, he was drafted to go to the NE theatre. His family are in the best position to tell you how that feels. Sgt Salisu was showing me his bullets wounds about a month ago when we met in Abuja.

You can hardly count 3 blocks in the Barracks without finding a flat with a sad story to tell.

Then I realized my insensitivity. The strings of death had made me feel cold and I had built a wall to block out the emotions, but for how long ?! These are people who I have grown to know, worked with and ultimately grown fond of. They had one way or the other contributed to my life and career. They are my Brothers-In-Arm.

They had taken a oath to protect this country, no matter the cost. And when it came to giving their lives, they did so. Some might say we are paid for our service, but I put it to them to name a price that the soul is worth. No matter how you spin it, it takes gut to see death and still face it head on, smiling.


I cannot say what the afterlife hold for those who had departed, but I can say that their struggles would not be forgotten. Every sweat and blood they shed, has contributed to protecting this nation from those who would love to see her fail. For that, they deserve our prayers and good words.

The Angel of Death has taken those listed, I don't know when it would come for me. Whenever it does, don't cry or wail.

Just Remember Me, Pray for Me.

I'm a Soulja !


Our Heroes Would Forever Be Remembered

Dyt:
Hmmmmmm
Hmmmmmmmmm


You will come back to Lagos to meet me
I am waiting for you

Not by my power but by that of the Almighty
The One above all things

Wa dele wabami
Shogbo

asadike:
Nwokem, resign biko, dont die unnecessarily. forget their promises, they wont take care of your family for u o.

taiwoliu:
nd if every1 does dt, how save wl u be? U don't ve to didcourage those who r willing to defend us, support nd encouragement is wht we owe dem.

My 3 kobo to u dear sis

asadike:
ok, my brother, i don hear. if na war, peace keeping etc i dont have problems with dat but u see dis insurgency, everybody should answer their papa name biko.

nonso88:
Make I reach church, I go tell Father to remember una. Keep up the good work.