A former Minister of Defence, General Domkat Bali has died at 80.

The news was announced on Friday by the Plateau State Government via a press statement.

Governor Simon Lalong says Plateau State and the nation has lost one of its patriotic and loyal sons, former Minister of Defence Gen. Domkat Bali who died at the age of 80.

Governor Lalong, according to the statement, said the passing of the retired military General is a great loss to the country considering the fact that he was one of the highly decorated officers who served the nation meritoriously in various capacities and proved his worth.

Lalong recalled that apart from serving the country as Minister of Defence, Gen. Bali was a key member of the Supreme Military Council and Armed Forces Ruling Council, where he held several positions including the Chief of Defence Staff.

He said, “Gen. Bali was focused and committed to the peace and progress of Nigeria and Plateau State in particular where he contributed immensely to addressing the security challenges in the State, always deploying his wealth of knowledge and advising various administrations. Indeed Plateau State has lost an icon.”

He also said that Gen. Bali, who answered the call or his people to serve as the Ponzhi Tarok many years after his retirement from the military demonstrated so much interest in the welfare of the Taroh nation and did his best to project and protect their interests.

Governor Lalong said even in death, Gen. Bali will continue to inspire young Nigerians who want to serve the nation within the military because of his patriotism, gallantry and principles.

Lalong condoled his widow, Mrs. Esther Bali, his children, the Taroh nation and the entire State while asking God to grant his soul eternal rest.

President Muhammadu Buhari also promptly condoled with the people and government of Plateau over the passing of Gen. Bali.

The president’s condolence message is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Friday.

Buhari, who spoke with the wife of the deceased, Esther on Friday, also commiserated with other family members, friends and professional associates of the former member of the Supreme Military Council and Armed Forces Ruling Council.

He noted that Bali, after rising through the ranks, with a distinguished military career, reaching the peak as Chief of Defence Staff, served the country meritoriously as Minister of Defence.

According to him, the records of bravery and patriotism of Bali, the Ponzhi Tarok, will continue to inspire young military officers, while the foundation he laid in all the commands he headed will always be remembered.

Buhari prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of the departed and comfort his family.

Meanwhile, the President has also constituted a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi to visit the family, and condole with government and people of the state over the loss.

Based on reports by NAN and Channels TV.

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