Mohammed Wushishi, former army chief, dies at 81

December 5, 2021 7:25 am

Mohammed Wushishi, a former chief of army staff, is dead.

Wushishi, who hailed from Niger state, was said to have died on Saturday at a hospital in London.

The development was confirmed in a statement by Mary Noel Berje, spokesperson to the governor of Niger.

According to the statement, Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, expressed sadness over the development and sympathised with the family of the deceased.

“Niger state Governor and Chairman North Central Governors Forum (NCGF) Abubakar Sani Bello, has sympathised with the people of Wushishi local government area, Kontagora Emirate and the entire Nigerlites over the death of an elder statesman Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi (Rtd),” the statement reads.

“The Chairman North Central Governors Forum said government and people of Niger State are indeed saddened by the demise of the Former Chief of Army staff who coordinated the activities of elder statesmen in the state over the years and made immense contributions to the peace, growth and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“The Governor maintained that even after active service, late Gen. Wushishi continued to offer useful counsel that helped in the development of the society.

“He said the death of Gen. Wushishi has created a vacuum that can only be filled by Allah, pointing out that the society will miss his wise counsel which are most needed now in overcoming the numerous challenges that have bedevilled Nigeria in general.

“The Chairman, NCGF, prayed Allah to forgive all the shortcomings of the deceased and grant him Aljahna Firdausi as well as give the entire people of the state and close associates the fortitude to bear the great loss.

“”This loss is for all Nigerians considering the very many contributions the deceased has made in uniting the country as a soldier and ensuring its growth and development.”

Wushishi, born in 1940, served as chief of army staff between 1981 and 1983.

He succeeded J.I.A. Akinrinade and served during the administration of Shehu Shagari.