Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has called for unity among soldiers and officers within barracks across the country.
Kabuk made the call at a Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons organised by the Division on Sunday evening at the Abakpa Barracks, Enugu.
He pointed out that soldiers and officers in the Division must maintain the level of togetherness and love that exist in their various barracks.
“We must continue to love another and be our brother’s keeper in order to ensure that bond that exists in the Nigerian Army remained intact.
“This is the only way we can go forward as members of the Nigerian Army.
“In a war situation, the bullets that fly around do not know whether you are a Christian or Muslim,’’ he said.
The GOC, who revealed that the carol was held simultaneously in formations under the Division, said that it was being celebrated elaborately and all-involving in order to show love that the Christmas season beheld.
“I must appreciate our Muslim brothers and sisters that have joined us to celebrate this unity of purpose,’’ he said.
Kabuk, however, warned criminals and trouble-makers to steer clear the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), adding that the Nigerian Army would make the area uncomfortable for them this season.
“If they do not repent and turn away from their criminality and evil ways, they will be surely dealt with,’’ he assured.
In an exhortation, Rev. Fr. Hilary Modile, Principal of College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu, said that the Christmas season called for sacrificial giving and love towards every Nigerian.
Modile, who spoke on the theme: “The Reason for Christmas’’, said that Nigerians must use this season to illuminate the darkness, lack and need in the lives of other Nigerians by reaching out to them.
He said: “For God so love the World that He gave His only begotten Son.
“Likewise, we all must take a cue and give sacrificially to others in need and lack so that we can join hands to uplift our entire society out of poverty and lack”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carol service featured special prayers for peace in the North-East and South-South regions as well as prayers for the safety of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, and other army personnel.
It was attended by commanders, deputy directors, senior officers and principal officers of the Division, their wives and children. (NAN)
