Details of the incident are still sketchy at the time of filing this report, but one of the family members, Chidinma Obeni Egwu, said the late soldier died while trying to save his colleagues from ‘‘heartless bandits.”

“Can’t believe I will be typing Rest in peace for you nna. Can’t hold back my tears have to wait till now to be sure that what I heard and read were true. So no more every month call of aunty how are the children. Uche obi agbawala m can’t believe I won’t hear your voice again. Nigeria have failed us and left us with this heart break. May your soul rest in peace till we meet to part no more. You were indeed brave died try to safe your colleagues from the heartless bandits. Nigeria failed my brother,” she wrote.

Ani Ifeayinwa Peace wrote: ”I waited to see if you will respond to my messages or at least tease me like always do but till now… nothing. What about our discussion for December Uche? you even said you’ll tell bro ekene to tell me sorry for all the times he taunted me. I’m speechless. Don’t even know what to say.”

Ugoeze Praize: “Obi agbawalam. I can’t believe You are gone My good friend and brother. Uche is hard to say good bye. Since night I heard this sad news, I couldn’t sleep. Chai … Onye army nkem. Your life was cut short while serving your country.  chai, may your soul rest in the bosom of the almighty. My condolence goes to your family and your twin sister. Jee nke oma,”

Joe Gospel: “Too hard for me to say Rip to you brother. The last time we saw was during your internship at Military Hospital Port Harcourt I called you last month you told me you are in Maiduguri. I remembered you introduced me to your family telling them I came all the way from Lagos to your Aunt’s burrier. I can now feel the pain just as my military friends will say “until Bandit happens to you, then u will know what Nigeria military are facing.” Rest on good man.”

Ekerette Udoka: “It’s really painful that you’re gone but I will never forget how submissive, obedient, industrious and supportive you were to my leadership when we were together in seeing that God’s work is done while it’s day. With fainting and unwilling heart I say goodnight Uche de Wise as I used to called you.”