Sixty years after Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun and his pregnant wife were killed in 1966 coup, their children seek proper burial and closure

Sixty years after Brigadier Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun, the Brigade Commander of the 1st Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, and his eight-month pregnant wife, Latifat, were killed during the coup of January 15, 1966, their children are calling for closure and a proper burial.

Also read: Family disputes Edo police claim on kidnapped twins

The tragic killings occurred when a team of junior army officers, led by Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu, stormed the Ademuleguns’ home demanding the keys to the armory.

Brigadier Ademulegun, a Sandhurst-trained officer with extensive military service in Burma, Congo and Tanganyika, refused to comply.

Both he and his wife were fatally shot in their bedroom while their children, aged between four and thirteen, witnessed the killings.

The children, six in total, were subsequently taken in by relatives and family friends.

Of the six, three have since passed away, leaving Gbenga, Solape Ademulegun-Agbi and Adegoke as the surviving heirs to the family’s legacy.

Despite establishing themselves professionally, the surviving Ademuleguns continue to grapple with the trauma of that night.

While Nigeria observes January 15 as Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the family says the nation has yet to honour Brigadier Ademulegun and his wife in a meaningful way.

They are seeking answers about the whereabouts of their parents’ final resting place, having received little attention from successive military or government officials despite decades of private efforts.

“Brigadier Ademulegun laid down his life for his country. Everything about him demonstrates his patriotism and commitment,” the family stated.

“A proper burial, even after sixty years, would honour his sacrifice and send a powerful message to servicemen and future generations that devotion to the country will never be treated with disdain.”

The Ademuleguns’ plea highlights the ongoing struggle of families of Nigeria’s heroes, whose sacrifices during critical historical moments remain inadequately recognised.

Also read: District 9112 Rotakids Committee partners with Family of Rotary for landmark year-end celebration

The children urge President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the military high command to ensure that Brigadier Ademulegun and his wife are formally honoured and properly laid to rest.