Idriss Deby was a gallant, friend of Nigeria, says President Buhari
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over “the sudden and tragic death of President Idriss Deby of Chad on the front line, fighting against rebel soldiers.”
Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, President Buhari said: “I’m deeply shocked and devastated by the sudden death of Idriss Deby on the battle front to defend the sovereignty of his country.”
According to the President, “the late Deby had played a very active role in our regional joint collaboration in the military campaign against the Boko Haram terrorists.”
In a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Nigerian President, President Buhari described the late Chadian leader “as a friend of Nigeria who had enthusiastically lent his hand in our efforts to defeat the murderous Boko Haram terrorists that have posed grave security challenges not only for Nigeria, but also our African neighbours, particularly Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.”
He added that “the death of Deby will surely create a big vacuum in the efforts to jointly confront the Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State West Africa Province.”
While condoling with the people of Chad and their new leader, President Buhari called for greater collaboration to defeat the terrorists.
The DEFENDER reports that the assassinated President of the Republic of Chad, Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, only late 30 days ago, visited the State House Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital, precisely Saturday 27th March 2021 for a crucial meeting with a view to ensuring security of Chad Basin region.
