Immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), says Nigerians didn’t appreciate efforts by the Army under his command to contain insurgents.
Buratai stated this in Kuta, Osun State, during an interdenominational prayer organised for him by Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, in his palace.
Buratai, who was represented by two of his course mates, Major Daniel Banjo (retd) and Wing Commander Mamman Yusuf (retd.), Buratai, said through Banjo that he was ambushed three times while battling the insurgents.
He, however, assured the community of continued relationship and support even after exiting the Army.
“At the war front, many things happened and Nigerians are not appreciative. Three times I was ambushed and jumped into the bush with my men and engaged the insurgents. My relationship with Olowu of Kuta is divine,” Buratai said.
Olowu of Kuta, Oba Oyelude, in his remarks, said the people of the community would remain grateful to Buratai for the assistance he rendered towards the completion of a bridge linking the community to Ede.
Oba Oyelude said, “For decades, several prominent political officeholders have tried to help us construct Ede/Kuta Bridge, but they could not, but on bringing the request before Lt. General Buratai, he granted it and ensure it was built.
“This is enough achievement for me as a monarch. The bridge is almost a hundred years and now the communities in this area have been linked and the villagers are now liberated.
“My support for the army was borne out of the fact that Buratai is a detribalised Nigerian and the most humane to serve as Army boss. The nation can only enjoy peace if we support the army to succeed in its quest to battle insecurity irrespective of who is in control.”
Prayers were offered for the ex-Army boss by Muslim and Christian clerics at the event attended by dignitaries from within and outside Osun State.