Hauwa Ali, the wife of the late Lt Col A.H. Ali, said she won’t let any of her children join the military.
She made this decision after her husband and 16 other soldiers were brutally killed in Okuama community, Delta state.
In an interview with the Press, Hauwa expressed shock over her husband’s sudden death during what was supposed to be a peace mission.
She described her husband as a dedicated man who not only cared for his family but also made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria.
The Defence Headquarters has launched a search for the perpetrators of the attack. The 17 soldiers were on a peacekeeping mission between Okuama and Okoloba communities when they were ambushed and killed by gunmen on March 14, 2024.
Reflecting on her late husband’s character, Hauwa said he was an exceptional individual who always kept his promises and diligently served both his family and his country.
She emphasized his commitment to his duties, even at the risk of his life. She mourned his loss deeply, stating that no words could fully capture his essence.
When asked about her children’s future, particularly if any of them would follow in their father’s footsteps, Hauwa firmly stated that she would not encourage them to join the military.
“I will not advise any of his children to be in the military. Their father has already sacrificed his life for the country.”
She believes that her husband had already made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and she doesn’t want her children to face the same fate.
The news of Ali’s death left Hauwa shattered, especially since their last conversation was about his upcoming peace mission.
“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.”
She recounted how she received the devastating news two days after the incident, leaving her in disbelief and sorrow.
“Nobody could call to tell me the news until Saturday. I was called from the State House,” she added”.
As a Muslim, she understands the inevitability of death but was unprepared for the tragic circumstances surrounding her husband’s passing. Despite the pain, she finds solace in her faith and hopes that her husband’s soul finds peace.
“We know that death is inevitable. As Muslims, we have to die at some point and time, but I am really shattered by the way my husband was killed”.
