By Fatima Mukhtar
A former Military Administrator of Bauchi State and traditional ruler of the Bassa-Nge Kingdom in Kogi State, Brigadier-General Abu Ali (retd.), has died. He was 79.
His death, announced on Monday by the Kogi State Government, has thrown the state and Nigeria’s military community into mourning. According to family sources, the retired general died from complications related to old age.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State led the tributes, describing the late Abu Ali as “a humble leader, a patriot, and a visionary who served Nigeria with honour.”
Brig-Gen Abu Ali served as the Military Administrator of Bauchi State from September 1990 to January 1992 under the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. During his tenure, he initiated notable development projects, including the Bauchi Township Water Scheme, strengthening of the Tomato Processing Company, and the establishment of the Wikki Tourists Football Club, which remains one of Nigeria’s prominent league teams.
He was also remembered for restoring order during the 1991 ethno-religious crisis in parts of Bauchi State, where he imposed curfews and deployed security forces to stabilize the affected communities. In January 1992, he peacefully handed over power to the democratically elected administration.
After retiring from the military, he ascended the throne as the Etsu of Bassa-Nge around the year 2000, becoming a respected first-class traditional ruler until his demise.
The late general was also the father of Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, a highly celebrated Nigerian Army officer killed in battle against Boko Haram insurgents in 2016.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and the Bassa-Nge Traditional Council in due course.
