Eniola Olayemi

A former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh has been shot dead by some gunmen along Abuja-Keffi highway.

He was said to have been killed with his driver.

According to a top military source, Badeh was killed by the gunmen while returning from his farm.

The source said the ex-CDS was without military escort expected of his rank because he went to his farm.

It was learnt that he was later rushed to a hospital at the military cantonment popularly called Abacha barracks but he did not survive it.

A statement by the Nigerian Air Force also confirmed that he has been killed.

The statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said:” It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce the unfortunate demise of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu 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.

“On behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commiserates with the family of the late former Chief of Defence Staff over this irreparable loss.

“We pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest.”

The ex-CDS was killed barely a month to the opening of his defence on the alleged N3.97billion fraud preferred against him by the Federal Government.

The court had fixed January 16, 2019 for his defence after his application for a no-case submission failed.