President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the Malu family as well as the government and people of Benue on the death of retired Lieutenant General Victor Malu, a former Chief of Army Staff.

President Buhari also commiserated with the Nigerian Armed Forces on the demise of “a very distinguished and professional colleague.’’

The president said the deceased had demonstrated incredible courage and leadership, including during very turbulent times in Liberia.

Buhari recalled that as Force Commander of the ECOMOG peace-keeping troops in Liberia from 1996 to 1998, General Malu was an icon of professionalism, bravery and discipline.

He said Malu aptly demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international military assignments.

According to him, the late General will be fondly remembered for his dedication and commitment as a military officer; and his numerous landmark contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.

President Buhari urged the bereaved family, friends and associates to honour Malu’s memory by upholding his invaluable sacrifices for a peaceful and united Nigeria.

He prayed that Almighty God would comfort all who mourned Gen. Malu, and grant his soul perfect peace.

Malu, 70, died in at a Cairo hospital in Egypt in the early hours of Monday.

Malu was born on January 15, 1947 at Katsina-Ala, Benue.

He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, in 1967 as part of the 3rd Regular Course and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant enlisted upon graduation in 1970.

He also attended Command and Staff College, Jaji and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

He was Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 1999 to 2001 and Force Commander of the ECOMOG peace-keeping force in Liberia from 1996 to 1998.

Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condoled with the family, Nigerian Army and government and people of Benue over the death of retired Lt. Gen. Victor Malu.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party prayed God to grant the late Malu eternal rest, and his family, the strength to bear the loss.

Abdullahi said Nigeria had lost one of its finest military officers who distinguished himself and made the country proud in several local and international assignments he undertook during his military career.

He doggedly canvassed and undertook reforms aimed at establishing a truly national army with a deep sense of purpose,’’ the party said.

Malu was a recipient of the Force Service Star (FSS) Award, Meritorious Service Star (MSS) Award, and Distinguished Service Star (DSS) Award, among others.