Former governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam has described late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Victor Malu, as “a soldier per excellence and national icon.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Malu, a former ECOMOG Field Commander, died in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday.

Suswam, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Mr Bartholomew Bede, in Makurdi on Tuesday, said the general died when his services were needed the most.

“Gen. Malu lived a good and fulfilled life, serving his fatherland in the army and rising to the highest ranks and important positions,” he said, and prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Also, the immediate past Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Ayua, described Malu as a worthy ambassador of Tiv nation.

Ayua said that the entire African continent would mourn the deceased because of the role he played in the restoration of peace in Liberia, when he served as ECOMOG Field Commander between 1996 and 1998.

Similarly, a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Abubarkar Tsav, said the deceased was a “brilliant, fearless, brave and courageous military officer,” who was also ‘brutally frank’ on issues.

“An iroko tree has fallen. I commiserate with the Government and people of Benue state over this tragic and monumental loss.

“I take advantage of this sad occasion to plead with Benue Government to take steps to immortalise Benue state sons and daughters who distinguish themselves in their chosen careers.”

NAN reports that Malu served as army chief under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999- 2001, and was the Force Commander, Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia from 1996-1998.

He held several command positions within and outside the country before he retired from military service.(NAN)