Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has joined other Nigerians to mourn the death of Ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (Rtd), whose death was announced on Wednesday.
Atiku Abubakar while expressing his condolence to the family of the late General, on his official social media handle on Thursday 13th May 2021, described the late Chief of Defence Staff as a thoroughbred soldier and administrator, saying:
“I am saddened by the loss of Lt Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd), soldier and administrator. He was a thoroughbred soldier and administrator, who held several command position; the peak of which was as Chief of Defence Staff.
My deepest condolences to his family and the government, and the people of Plateau State. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Joseph Dongoyaro died at the age of 80, and the sad news of his death was confirmed on Thursday by his son.
He said: “Daddy has been sick for some time until yesterday when he had a stroke and we rushed him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
“Unfortunately, early this morning of Thursday, around 3.00 am precisely, he breathed his last and died.
“His death comes as a rude shock to us as a family. We are going to miss his love and warmth as a grandfather, father, brother, uncle and supporter.”
He said the family was trying to cope with the shock of the General’s demise and would release funeral details soon.
He said the corpse has been deposited at the Air Force hospital mortuary.
Dogonyaro, a soldier and an administrator, was born on September 12, 1940 in Vom, Plateau State.
He is a native of Taroh in Langtang North Local Government Area.
He was also a Minister of Defence in Late General Sani Abacha’s regime.
He had his early education at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri and enlisted in the Nigerian Army in1964.
He was commissioned Second-Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 1967; Officer Commanding, 1 Recce Squadron, NA, 1967-69; Quartermaster General, I Infantry Division (Main), N, 1969-70.