A few days ago, on the eve of Christmas 2019, Hamzat Buba, a vibrant and young Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our nation's freedom against the sting of terrorism.

Buba, who hails from Akwanga in Nasarawa State, reportedly lost his life in the line of duty, while fighting insurgents in the Northeast region of the country.

He joined the service after graduation from the University in Keffi, where he studied Theater Arts.

He still made a post on his social media handles just 4 days ago, around the same time he was felled by the insurgents.

These below were his last words:

"If l die in a war zone, box me up and send me home. Put my medals on my chest, tell my mom l did my best. Tell my dad not to bow- he won't get tension from me now. Tell my bro to study perfectly, the key of my car will be his permanently. Tell my sister not to be upset, her bro will take a long sleep after sunset. Tell my nation not to cry, because l am a soldier born to die, but never to be forgotten."

Following comments that have poured in on his posts after his death, you'd know Hamzat Buba was a fine gentleman, a patriot who clearly understood the role of sacrifice.

May his soul Rest in Peace.

According to associated Press reports, the insurgency in Northern Nigeria, which started in 2009, has caused over 30,000 deaths in and around the region, including a percentage of young gallant soldiers like Buba. The insurgents say they want an Islamic caliphate in Northern Nigeria, and want to outlaw western education and influence.

We all remember sometime in 2016, when a similarly brave patriot, Mohammed Abu Ali, selfless Lt. Colonel in the Nigerian Army, was also killed by insurgents. Like Buba, Lt. Ali was known for his numerous feats against insurgency.

Once during one of his countless feats, Boko Haram fighters fired a 105MM Howitzer at his Tank using a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) to charge through it; everyone ran away, leaving him at the liberty of the terrorists.

After two days of fighting back at havoc, the dogged soldier made it back.

However, immediately after first-aid, Ali went back to the front with a new T72 Tank for the unfinished business and liberated the besieged town of Baga.

He received the Chief of Army Staff award in Gamboru for exceptional bravery from Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai on September 9, 2015 for his role in the fight against Boko Haram. He died in 2016 during that particular battle with the terrorists.

In 2017, the Federal Government of Nigeria named the newly established Nigerian Army shooting range at the Sambisa forest after Ali.

I hope that the FG honours Buba and all our slain soldiers in similar manner.

But seriously though, when will this insurgency end in Nigeria? Why can't we find a lasting solution to a situation that keeps taking the lives avoidably like this?

Well, again, Hamzat Buba, thank you, and may your soul Rest in Peace.