The rescue operation, which led to the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity, was not without casualties on the part of the rescuers.

The students and their teachers were released on Friday, 10 July, ending the standoff that began when terrorists seized the victims.

Security operatives from more than 10 agencies joined forces in a month-long intelligence-led operation that secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists from Oriire LGA of Oyo State.

The operation was led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army.

It has emerged that, in the early phase of the rescue operation, a senior officer of the Nigerian Army was killed.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that the fallen officer, identified as a lieutenant, reportedly died in the line of duty. His name is Lieutenant F.A. (Felix Ademe) Isaac.

He was born on the 25th of August 1997. He would have turned 29 this year.

Lt. FA Isaac was laid to rest on July 10th, the day the school children and teachers were rescued.

His remains were interred at the 23rd Amoured Brigade Cemetery, Yola, Adamawa State.

Reacting, some officers and other social media users, especially on X (formerly Twitter), mourned his demise and also applauded his brave efforts.

@Tojuwes said, “Late LT FA Issac was laid to rest yesterday. He fell in the line of duty during the initial phase of the Oyo rescue Ops. While others celebrate the return of the hostages, his family mourns💔. Rest easy, soldier, your sacrifice was not in vain; the kids are back. For God and Country.

@DejiAdesogan said, “Remember His Name. Never Forget His Sacrifice. Late Lieutenant FA Isaac

“He answered the call of duty without hesitation. In the brave effort to rescue kidnapped victims in Orire, he paid the ultimate price, laying down his own life so that others could live.

“Same yesterday that Troops Rescued the Oyo-Oriire Pupils and Teachers, he was also laid to rest with honour, but his courage, selflessness, and sacrifice will never be buried. He stood where many would have fled, fought when others feared, and gave everything for people he may never have known.

“May we never forget the cost of the peace and security we often take for granted. Heroes like him deserve our eternal gratitude and remembrance. Rest in perfect peace, Gallant Soldier. Your watch has ended, but your legacy lives on forever.

@pressman2040 said, “With heavy hearts, we remember Lt. FA Issac and the other Private Soldier who paid the ultimate price during the gallant rescue operation of the abducted Oriire school children in Oyo State.

“These brave officers and men ran into danger so that innocent students could return home safely to their families. Their sacrifice ensured that the children were rescued and the t£rr0r!sts were engaged. You laid down your lives so others could live.

“Your names will never be forgotten. Your service and courage will continue to inspire generations of Nigerian soldiers.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian Army family. May God grant them strength and comfort in this difficult time.”

@Optama said, “RIP to Lt. FA Isaac, who was killed in the early days of this rescue operation. In a heartbreaking twist of events, he was laid to rest today, and the victims were finally released.

“This is one of the names I hope will be immortalised by the AFN, Oyo State, & the Nigerian government.”

It would be recalled that the Oriire mass kidnap saga started on May 15, when gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all in Oriire LGA.

The incident prompted the Oyo State government to shut schools in four LGAs as security agencies intensified rescue efforts.

Protests were organised in some parts of the country to demand the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren.

On May 18, Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, said one of the teachers abducted during the attack was killed in captivity. (Adapted from a report by The Nation)