The Nigerian Army, government officials, and the entire Bassa-Nge Kingdom have paid their last respects to Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd), former Military Administrator of Bauchi State and traditional ruler of the Bassa-Nge people, who was laid to rest in Gboloko, Kogi State, on Wednesday.
A statement issued by Lt. Hassan Abdullahi in Lokoja confirmed that the distinguished officer was buried according to Islamic rites, drawing a large turnout of military personnel, traditional leaders, and government dignitaries.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in a tribute delivered on his behalf, praised the late officer as a figure of honour and a model of professionalism. “Brigadier General Abu Ali was a beacon of honour, a pillar of military ethics, and a leader whose selfless dedication to the Nigerian Army will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, represented by State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), described the late Etsu Bassa-Nge as a unifying force whose leadership strengthened the cultural and social fabric of his kingdom. He noted that his passing was a significant loss not only to Kogi State but to Nigeria as a whole.
In a detailed funeral oration, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade, recounted the late officer’s journey from his birth in 1945 to his entry into the Nigerian Army in 1963 and his rise to Brigadier General before retiring in 1999. His service included key command and administrative roles, from Squadron Commander to Military Administrator of Bauchi State, and later, Director of Training at the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.
The oration highlighted his extensive training abroad—in the UK, Pakistan, India, and the United States—where he distinguished himself through discipline and leadership. He was remembered for his contributions to military strategy, youth empowerment, education, and community development.
Brigadier General Abu Ali was also celebrated as the father of the late Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, one of Nigeria’s most decorated soldiers in the fight against insurgency, further cementing the family’s reputation for courage and patriotism.
The burial ceremony drew senior officers from Army Headquarters, naval commanders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and government functionaries. The solemn rites included final prayers, the lowering of the national flag, and presentation of national colours to his next of kin.
The Nigerian Army extended its condolences to his family and the Bassa-Nge Kingdom, noting that the late officer will be remembered as a patriot, statesman, and traditional custodian whose legacy of service and honour will endure.
