Buhari: Death of Chadian president will create vacuum in war against Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of President Idriss Deby of Chad.

Deby was confirmed dead on Tuesday, following injuries he sustained in a fight with rebels over the weekend.

The president was commanding his army in a battle against rebel forces, when he sustained gunshot injuries.

His death comes a day after he won re-election for a sixth term in office.

While condoling with the people of Chad in a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari said the late Deby “had played a very active role in our regional joint collaboration in the military campaign against Boko Haram terrorists”.

“I’m deeply shocked and devastated by the sudden death of Idriss Deby on the battle front to defend the sovereignty of his country,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.”

Buhari also called for greater collaboration to “defeat the terrorists”.

Meanwhile, you can read the late Chadian president’s obituary here.