Kogi: Etsu Bassa-Nge dies

The paramount ruler of the Bassa-Nge nation in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd), is dead. This was contained in a statement signed by Kakaki of Bassa-Nge nation, Chief Jacob Eddi, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Monday. The statement noted that the revered traditional ruler died […]

The paramount ruler of the Bassa-Nge nation in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd), is dead.

This was contained in a statement signed by Kakaki of Bassa-Nge nation, Chief Jacob Eddi, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Monday.

The statement noted that the revered traditional ruler died early morning on Monday from complications resulting from old age.

According to his subjects, the traditional ruler died at a Lokoja hospital where he was receiving treatment when his health deteriorated a few days back.

His corpse is said to have been moved to Gboloko, his ancestral town in Bassa Local Government Area, shortly after his death, ahead of traditional burial rites.

Tributes have been pouring in since his death was announced.

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in a post on his Facebook wall, said: “We just lost His Majestic King, Alhaji Abu Ali, the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom. May your soul rest in Jannatul Firdaus.”

Also, Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, described the former Military Administrator of Bauchi State as a dignified leader known for his humility, integrity, and a model of service to his soldiers.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor expressed profound sadness over the passing of the traditional ruler.

The governor explained that General Abu Ali served with distinction as the Military Administrator of Bauchi State from September 1990 to January 1992 under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

He said, “His tenure was marked by remarkable developmental initiatives and commitment to the welfare of our people. Under his administration, the Bauchi Township Water Project was commissioned, bringing vital water infrastructure to residents of the state capital.”

Mohammed said, “He played a pivotal role in consolidating the Tomato Processing Company, helping to build the local agro-industry, and he founded the Wikki Tourists Football Club, which has grown into a source of pride for our state.”

Governor Mohammed salutes late General Ali’s humble and dignified surrender of power when he peacefully handed over to a democratically elected government in January 1992, demonstrating respect for democratic governance.

The late Etsu Bassa-Nge was the father of the late Lt Col Muhammad Abu Ali, a decorated Nigerian Army officer, celebrated for his bravery in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North West of the country.