‘He Was Our Hope’: Father of Fallen Army Officer Lt. Isaac Mourns as Family Seeks Support

Mr. Isaac Alabura, father of 28-year-old Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, who died during an operation to rescue abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, says his family is yet to recover from the loss.

The young officer was killed on July 10, 2026, while leading troops in the rescue operation that secured the victims’ freedom.

Daily Trust had reported that gunmen abducted teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School. The abductors later took them into the forest.

There are conflicting accounts of how Lt. Isaac died.  

While some reports said his convoy struck explosives planted by terrorists in the National Park area of Oyo State, others claimed he stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by Ansaru fighters, who were identified as the group behind the abduction.

Born on August 25, 1997, Lt. Isaac was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026.

Speaking to Daily Trust at his residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, on Sunday, the retired Master Warrant Officer said the family remained devastated.

Describing his son as “the hope of the family and the community,” Alabura said they had looked forward to seeing him rise through the military ranks.

“It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy. How much more a brilliant young officer whom our family and community looked up to? His life was cut short at a time we expected him to achieve greater things,” he said.

Our correspondent observed that sympathisers continued to visit the family home to commiserate with them.

Alabura also expressed disappointment over how news of his son’s death reached the family, saying neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government had officially briefed them on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He, however, commended four serving and retired senior military officers who, he said, ensured his son’s body was released and brought to Yola for burial despite attempts by some persons to have him buried in Oyo State.

“His death is deeply painful. He had just returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Jaji, Kaduna, and was preparing to report to Sokoto for another assignment. Around 3:00 p.m., he was instead directed to lead the rescue operation in Oyo,” he said.

He appealed to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to support the family, noting that the late officer paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.

Also speaking, the deceased’s cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described Lt. Isaac as calm, intelligent and hardworking.

“When he decided to join the Nigerian Army, we all believed he would rise through the ranks and contribute to improving the country’s security. Sadly, that dream has been cut short.

“We have lost a beloved family member, and Nigeria has also lost a promising officer who still had so much to offer,” he said.

Eweh urged the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to remember the officer’s family. Lt. Isaac is survived by his retired military father, mother, a brother and a sister.

He also called for the late officer to be immortalised in recognition of his sacrifice.

Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac hailed from Kola Ward in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, the hometown of the late Senator Dr. Silas Zwingina and the late Air Vice Marshal Dan Suleiman.

Lt. Isaac was not the only casualty of the rescue operation. 

The Nigerian Army, in a statement after the victims were freed, said: “It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”

Governor Seyi Makinde also commended the security agencies. 

“I am really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience.

“We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families,” he said.

Security operatives from more than 10 agencies took part in the operation, which was led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army.