The alleged assassination of the former Nigerian Chief of defense staff Air Marshall Alex Badeh on Tuesday by unknown gunmen has been attracting alot of condemnation, as Senate President, Senator Saraki, Speaker Dogara and other prominent Nigerians have all released a statement condemning the gruesome murder of the late Air Chief.
According to the Air Force Spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement released a few hours ago, said the Adamawa-born Alex Badeh died on Tuesday from gun wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked by gunmen on Abuja-Keffi Road. He was said to be returning from his farm.
Daramola broke the news on Twitter:
“It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce the unfortunate demise of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who died today, 18 Dec 18, from gunshot wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road”
The Nigeria Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki while condemning the murder, said:
“Nigeria has suffered another great loss with the passing of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh. My heartfelt prayers go to his family and our Armed Forces at this tragic time. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest. Amin.”
Speaker Yakubu Dogara on his part said:
“News of the gruesome murder of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, is both saddening and alarming. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, and I hope that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.”
Senator Shehu Sani from Kaduna State also put out a tweet condemning the act, saying:
“Alex Badeh;It’s sad and tragic.If it can happen to Alex,it can happen to anyone.May his soul Rest In Peace.My condolences to his family.”
Femi Fani-Kayode said:
“With the murder of Badeh on Buhari’s birthday,it is clear that ours is a nation of not just ethnic and religious cleansing but also a nation of political cleansing.Does anyone still believe that Buhari will conduct a free and fair election and hand over power quietly next year?”
This will be yet another top and retired Nigerian military officer that will be murdered this year, as one begins to wonder if these killings are just ordinary or politically motivated killings. Although the military (Air Force ) has released a statement on the murder, we wait to see how they will go about investigating the murder, just like how the Nigerian Army a few weeks back, did for one of their own, General Alkali.
…we are waiting to see what happens next, as Alex Badeh before his murder was standing trials and there could some link, and EFCC and other security agents need to investigate.