By Our Correspondent

Nigeria has bid farewell to one of its finest patriots as the late Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd)—former Military Administrator of Bauchi State and the revered Etsu Bassa-Nge—was laid to rest with full military honours at his hometown of Gboloko Bassa, Kogi State. His burial, conducted according to Islamic rites, drew top military commanders, government officials, traditional leaders, and hundreds of mourners who gathered to honour a man whose life embodied service, integrity, and devotion to national unity.

A SOLDIER OF HONOUR, A LEADER OF HIS PEOPLE

The atmosphere in Gboloko was solemn yet dignified as the Nigerian Army led the ceremonial farewell befitting a man who dedicated more than three decades to the defence of Nigeria. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in a heartfelt tribute delivered on his behalf, described the late officer as:

> “A beacon of honour, a pillar of military ethics, and a selfless leader whose dedication to duty will continue to inspire generations of officers and men of the Nigerian Army.”

General Abu Ali’s death on 24 November 2025 marks the end of a remarkable journey that began with his birth in 1945 in Gboloko. Enlisting in the Nigerian Army in 1963, he rose through the ranks to the prestigious position of Brigadier General before retiring in 1999. His career took him across continents for advanced military training in the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, and the United States, earning widespread respect for his discipline, professionalism, and leadership.

KOGI STATE MOURNS A TRADITIONAL ICON

Representing the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, the State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) described the deceased as a unifying force whose reign as Etsu Bassa-Nge brought progress and harmony to his people.

> “The passing of the Etsu Bassa-Nge is not only a loss to Kogi State but to the entire nation,” he lamented.

A DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF NATIONAL SERVICE

The funeral oration, delivered by the Commander 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, chronicled the towering achievements of the late officer. His distinguished service included strategic command and staff roles such as:

Squadron Commander, 3 Reconnaissance Regiment

Deputy AQMG, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps

Military Administrator of Bauchi State

Deputy Military Secretary I, Army Headquarters

Director of Training, TRADOC

Commander, 15 ECOMOG Brigade

Deputy Chief of Intelligence, Defence Intelligence Agency

Commandant, Armoured Corps Centre and School

His contributions extended beyond the barracks—he championed education, youth development, community cohesion, and traditional leadership, earning the admiration of both military and civilian communities.

A FAMILY OF HEROES

General Abu Ali was also the father of the celebrated fallen hero, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, whose bravery in the fight against insurgency made him a household name. The shared sacrifice of father and son stands as a powerful testament to a family defined by courage, patriotism, and unshakable loyalty to Nigeria.

A FITTING FAREWELL

The burial ceremony featured military traditions including the lowering of the national flag, the final salute, and the presentation of the national colours to his next of kin. Attendance included senior officers from Army Headquarters Abuja, the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, and dignitaries from across the country.

The Nigerian Army, in a condolence message signed by Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, extended its deepest sympathies to the family, the Bassa-Nge Kingdom, and the Nigerian people, noting that:

> “Late Brigadier General Abu Ali will be remembered as a patriot, a statesman, a traditional custodian, and a symbol of honour whose legacy will continue to illuminate the path of service.”

AN ENDURING LEGACY

As the dust settled at Gboloko and the final prayers echoed across the valley, it became clear that Nigeria had not just buried a man, but celebrated a legacy. A legacy of duty. A legacy of honour. A legacy that future generations will look upon with pride.

Late Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd) leaves behind a nation grateful, a kingdom proud, and a legacy destined to endure.

By Our Correspondent

Nigeria has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of one of its most respected Islamic scholars, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose death marks the end of an era in religious scholarship, spiritual guidance, and community leadership.

The revered cleric, widely known for his profound knowledge, wisdom, and decades of commitment to Islamic propagation, died after a lifetime dedicated to teaching, character reformation, and promoting peace across the country. His demise was met with expressions of grief from religious leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and millions of followers nationwide.

Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, often described as a pillar of moral authority, earned admiration for his gentle counseling, humility, and unwavering dedication to the path of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Throughout his life, he remained a strong advocate for justice, peaceful coexistence, and fear of Allah — values he consistently instilled in the communities he served.

For decades, the late scholar mentored and educated hundreds of students, many of whom have since spread his teachings across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. His sermons, deeply rooted in compassion and wisdom, shaped the moral and spiritual direction of countless individuals and communities.

As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from all corners of the country. Many described him as a rare gem whose legacy will remain in the hearts of Muslims for generations. His humility, scholarship, and dedication to the upliftment of society earned him respect across religious and political divides.

The Muslim community has been urged to remain steadfast and prayerful as the family, disciples, and admirers of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi face the difficult task of coping with this monumental loss.

Prayers continue across mosques and religious centers for Allah to forgive him, grant him mercy, and reward him with a place in Jannatul Firdaus. His departure, many say, leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

May Allah grant him eternal rest and comfort those he has left behind. Ameen.

By Editor Daily Fact

A violent clash between farmers and herders in Komi village, under Wawa Ward of Funakaye Local Government Area, Gombe State, has left a police officer and the son of the village head dead, while several others sustained injuries.

The incident occurred on October 26, 2025, around 6:15 p.m., following a dispute that erupted after cattle belonging to some herders reportedly invaded the farm of Muhammad Jibrin (popularly known as Mude), the son of the village head of Komi.

According to the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Buhari Abdullahi Roni, the confrontation quickly escalated into a violent clash between the farmers and the herders.

“Our investigation revealed that the herders’ cattle entered the farm belonging to the son of the village head, which led to an argument and eventually a fight. In the process, Muhammad Jibrin, also known as Mude, was killed, while three farmers sustained injuries. Some herders also sustained injuries during the clash,” Roni stated.

He explained that police officers from Wawa Outpost promptly responded and conveyed the injured to Birin Bolawa Hospital in Nafada Local Government Area, where Mude was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

Youth Attack Police Team, Kill Officer

DSP Roni further confirmed that the following day, October 27, a delegation comprising officials from the Funakaye Local Government Council, the Funakaye Emirate Council, and other stakeholders visited Komi village to condole with the bereaved family and assess the damage caused by the violence.

However, the visit turned chaotic when angry youths from the village reportedly attacked the police team deployed to maintain order.

“During the attack, one police officer, identified as PC Muhammad Abubakar (popularly known as Al’amin), sustained severe injuries and later died. Another officer, Abubakar Sadiq, was injured and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” the PPRO said.

The police spokesperson added that the attackers also carted away two rifles belonging to the slain officer and his colleague, but both weapons were later recovered on October 28 and 29, respectively.

Police Arrest 42 Suspects

Following the incident, police operatives launched a manhunt and arrested 42 suspects in connection with the violence.

“After investigation, 17 of the suspects were released, while 23 remain in custody, including those arrested with the recovered rifles. They will be charged to court after our ongoing investigation,” DSP Roni said.

He disclosed that some of the arrested youths were hired from Bojude in Dukku Local Government Area to participate in the attack.

Community Members Speak

A resident of Komi village, who pleaded anonymity, narrated that about 50 herders were involved in the initial clash with farmers.

“After the herders killed the son of the village head, they fled the area. We reported the matter to the police, who later insisted on taking the corpse for further examination. During their visit, some angry youths confronted the police, leading to the unfortunate killing of one officer. Some elders, including the district head and chief imam, were arrested but later released,” the source said.

He added that most villagers who fled during the crisis have begun returning to their homes.

Police Commissioner Calls for Calm

The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, has appealed for calm and urged residents of Funakaye and surrounding communities to report any suspicious movements and cooperate with security agencies.

“Farmers-herders clashes have been a recurring challenge in many parts of Nigeria. We call on residents to embrace dialogue and support the police with useful information to prevent further loss of lives and property,” he said.

The police command assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to bring all perpetrators of the Komi village incident to justice.