Ogona Anita
Former Borno State governor, Maina Maaji Lawan, reportedly collapsed during the burial of several Nigerian soldiers who lost their lives in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the state.
According to ThisDay, the incident happened during a funeral procession held for the slain personnel at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
Witnesses said the former governor suddenly lost strength during the ceremony and had to be assisted by people around him.
He was later revived after he was given water to break his fast before regaining consciousness.
The burial was organised by the Nigerian Army to honour twelve soldiers who died during security operations across Borno State.
The fallen personnel included three commanding officers and nine other soldiers who were killed while carrying out their duties in the fight against insurgency.
The funeral ceremony took place on Friday morning between 10 a.m. and 12 noon at the military cemetery located inside the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.
The event was conducted under tight security with limited media presence.
Military authorities reportedly kept the ceremony quiet to reduce public attention and tension.
Senior officers of the Nigerian Army attended the burial, including the commander of Sector 3, alongside other top military officials.
Family members and next of kin of the deceased soldiers were also present to pay their last respects.
Officials from the Borno State Government also attended the ceremony.
The delegation was led by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugum Maimele.
During the burial rites, nine of the soldiers were laid to rest according to Islamic traditions, while the remaining three were buried based on Christian rites.
Governor Babagana Zulum also provided financial support to the families of the deceased officers.
The state government donated five million naira to each of the families of the three lieutenant colonels who died in the operations.
Families of the other soldiers who lost their lives received one million naira each from the Borno State Government as support following the tragedy.
