President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday led the mourning for a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Victor Malu (retired). Others who mourned the fallen military hero included Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

Buhari in a statement by his Spokesman Femi Adesina extended heartfelt condolences to the Malu family as well as the government and people of Benue State.

“President Buhari also commiserates with the Nigerian Armed Forces on the demise of a very distinguished and professional colleague, who demonstrated incredible courage and leadership, including during very turbulent times in Liberia,” Adesina said.

He added: “The President recalls that as Force Commander of the ECOMOG peace-keeping troops in Liberia from 1996 to 1998, General Malu was an icon of professionalism, bravery and discipline, and he aptly demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international military assignments.

“The President believes that the late General Malu will be fondly remembered for his dedication and commitment as a military officer; and his numerous landmark contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.

“President Buhari urges the bereaved family, friends and associates to honour Malu's memory by upholding his invaluable sacrifices for a peaceful and united Nigeria.

“The President prays that Almighty God will comfort all who mourn Gen Malu, and grant his soul perfect peace.”

Commiserating with the government and people of Benue State, Obaseki said Malu would be remembered for his courage to speak truth to power and defend his opinions even when it may not be popular.

“My heart goes to the family he left behind and I pray that the Almighty God grants them the strength beyond normal, to bear the loss,” the governor said.

Buratai, on his part, said he received “with deep shock the sad news of the passing away” of Malu, who was the Chief of Army Staff between May 1999 and April 2001.

Buratai said in a statement signed by Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman: “During his service, he contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy, peace and security in the country.

“The Chief of Army Staff on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army commiserates with the family on the irreparable loss. He prays God Almighty to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

News of Malu’s death broke on Monday morning as his family reportedly said that Malu died in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, where he went for medical check-up.

He was born on 15 January 1947 at Katsina-Ala, Benue State of Tiv origin. He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna in 1967 as part of the 3rd Regular Course and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant enlisted upon graduation in 1970

Malu served as Chief of Army Staff under former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

He chaired the military tribunal that tried former Chief of General Staff and Vice Chairman Armed Forces Ruling Council Gen. Oladipo Diya and others in 1998 over alleged coup plot against the then head of state, Gen. Sanni Abacha.

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