Solomon Islands Blog

Lt. Col. U. K. Bello was a fine gentleman from Niger State. He was the ADC to Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during Gideon Orkar’s coup of 1990. He successfully whisked his boss and family away from Dodan Barracks to a safe residence outside the Barracks. He then returned to the barracks to join the loyal troops in repelling the attack. He specialized in the handling of armored tanks and there was one tank stationed by the residence of the Head of State. Bello entered the tank and pressed the firing buttons. Unknown to him, the pins had been removed by the engineer that serviced it last, two days before. The engineer, a soldier, was part of the coup. While inside, the coup plotters moved closer and finished him. He literally took the bullet for his boss. His body was transported to Paiko Village where he was buried amidst tears.