Ex-Chief Of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh Assassinated

Former chief of defence staff, Alex Badeh, has been assassinated by unknown gunmen.

Ibikunle Daramola, spokesman of the Nigerian air force, announced this via his Twitter handle on Tuesday.

He said Badeh died from gunshot wounds sustained in an attack while returning from his farm.

He said the sad incident happened along Abuja-Keffi road.

It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce the unfortunate demise of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who died today, 18 Dec 18, from gunshot wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road

— Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) December 18, 2018

The late Badeh, who was 61 years, was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1979.

He was born in Vimtim, in the Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

He attended the Vimtim Primary School. Vimtim and went on to obtain his secondary school certificate from the Villanova Secondary School in 1976 before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Badeh was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 21 Regular Course on January 3, 1977, and was commissioned as Pilot Officer on July 3, 1979.

The retired military officer was promoted Air Vice Marshal on January 3, 2008.

He was appointed Chief of Air Staff by President Goodluck Jonathan in October 2012 and was appointed Chief of Defence Staff in April 2014.

Until his death, he was standing trial for alleged diversion of funds meant for arms purchase.