Alex Badeh’s Family Deny Alleged Plans To Miss Burial

Growing concerns exists over the circumstances that surrounded yesterday’s murder of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

All his four security aides who were with him when he was shot were left unhurt, although his driver reportedly got shot in the hand and his farm manager, identified only as Engr. Joel was abducted by the alleged assassins.

However, as earlier reported by NaijaNews, the former Chief of Air Defence staff, was killed by the unknown gunmen on Keffi-Abuja Road.

A family member, who spoke with newsmen, but chose to be anonymous said the death of his brother was purely an assassination.

“From what we have seen so far, it’s a clear case of assassination,” he said.

He condemned media report, which insinuated that the wife and children of the late Defence Chief abroad will likely not turn up for his burial to evade arrest and denial of subsequent return by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

“There’s no truth in what the media reported. In fact, as I speak to you, the wife is on her way to Nigeria. We are in pain and we beg that we be allowed to mourn our beloved brother in peace,” he said.

Also, Senator representing Adamant North, Binta Masi, condemned the killing, stating that it is a revelation that no one is safe in the country.

She said:”The demise of Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh came to us as a shock, it is rather unfortunate. Our shock is that such thing happened to a person of his repute in the security force.

“For a former Chief of Defence Staff and a Chief of Air Staff to be assassinated in such a manner is rather unfortunate.

“It is with great heart that we are all here to mourn him and to condole with the family. He stands like a big brother and uncle to me. The last time we spoke was before my primary election and he gave me some words of encouragement that he was solidly behind me only for me to hear the shocking news.

“It’s painful but as human, every living being is wearing that garment only that we don’t know when our time will come and how.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria is facing some security challenges and the one I could not find joy is that after killing the man, what’s the point kidnapping his farm manager and only God knows what will happen to such a person.

“But no matter what we will do, he’s gone and we pray that God should grant the family, Nigerian Air Force and the airmen all the fortitude to bear this great loss.

“Most especially, as a constituent of mine from Adamawa North Senatorial Zone, he is one person that the people of Mubi North and most especially Vimtim area will remember. He did a lot for the state by even bringing the Air Force school to the state and had a lot of development that he did to his credit when he was alive.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of dignitaries were at the deceased’s Abuja home yesterday, on condolence visits.