Bauchi’s ex-Military Governor, Gen Abu Ali, is dead

By OUR REPORTER

Former Military Governor of Bauchi State and Etsu of Bassa Nge Kingdom in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, Alhaji Abu Ali, a Retired Brigadier-General of the Nigerian Army, has passed away.

The DEFENDER reports that Governor of Kogi State, his country’s home state, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who broke the news of demise of the late giant, said he passed away in the early hours of Monday November 24, 2025 due to complications arising from old age.

Announcing the passage of the monarch in a post on his Facebook wall, Governor Ododo wrote that, “We just lost His Majestic King, Alh. Abu Ali the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom.

“May your Soul rest in Jannatul Firdaus.”

Late Governor Abubakar Audu appointed the late Ali as the Etsu Bassa Nge in 2000, a position he held until his death.

The Etsu was a Military Governor of Bauchi State as a Colonel in the Nigerian Army during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida from August 1990 – January 1992. He handed over to a democratically elected government in January 1992.

The Etsu, who retired from the Nigerian Army as a Brigadier General in 1999, hailed from Kpata area of Kogi State. He was a first class title holder who was widely respected.

He died exactly nine years after his prince, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali CON (15 August 1980 – 4 November 2016), a Nigerian Army officer who commanded the Army’s 272 Tank Battalion, was killed in an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Malam Fatori, Borno State, North East Nigeria.

News of General Abu Ali’s passage was also conveyed in a press release signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, issued on Monday November 24, 2025.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, on behalf of his family, Government and the good people of Bauchi State, mourns the passing of Brigadier-General (retd) Abu Ali, former Military Administrator of Bauchi State,” the release stated.

“General Abu Ali served with distinction as the Military Administrator of Bauchi State from September 1990 to January 1992 under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

“His tenure was marked by remarkable developmental initiatives and commitment to the welfare of our people.

“Under his administration, the Bauchi Township Water Project was commissioned, bringing vital water infrastructure to residents of the state capital. He played a pivotal role in consolidating the Tomato Processing Company, helping to build local agro-industry, and he founded the Wikki Tourists Football Club, which has grown into a source of pride for our state.

“Beyond infrastructure and economic development, General Abu Ali showed strong leadership in times of crisis. In 1991, when ethno-religious unrest erupted in Tafawa Balewa and other communities, he acted decisively to restore peace, imposing a curfew, and deploying security forces. His firm but yet thoughtful approach helped stabilise the situation and prevented further escalation.

“Governor Bala Mohammed salutes late General Abu Ali’s humble and dignified surrender of power, when he peacefully handed over to a democratically elected government in January 1992, demonstrating respect for democratic governance.

“After his military service, General Abu Ali continued serving his people and his heritage as the Etsu Bassa Nge, a first-class traditional ruler in Kogi State since the year 2000. In that role, he embodied wisdom, cultural pride, and leadership, remaining deeply respected across Nigeria.

“Late General Abu Ali was known for his humility, integrity, and dedication. His life was a model of service to his soldiers, to the people of Bauchi, and to his cultural community. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership that transcends his military and political roles.

“In this time of grief, Governor Bala Mohammed extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the late General, especially his children, and people of the Bassa Nge Kingdom in Kogi State. He also asks the people of Bauchi State to join in prayer for strength and comfort for the family, and for the peaceful repose of his soul.

“May the memory of Brigadier-General (retd) Abu Ali continue to inspire us all as a servant-leader, a visionary, and a man of courage and compassion.”