Dogonyaro, ex-defence chief dies at 80

Nigeria’s former chief of defence staff under the military of late General Sani Abacha, Lt-general Joshua Dogonyaro, is dead. He was 80 years old.

Joseph, first son of the deceased disclosed this to NAN in a telephone interview in Pankshin on Thursday.

“Daddy has been sick for some time until Wednesday when he had a stroke and we rushed him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.

“Unfortunately, early this morning (Thursday), around 3.00am precisely, he breathed his last.

“His death comes as a rude shock to us as a family. We are going to miss his love and warm as a grandfather, father, brother, uncle and supporter,” he said.

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Joseph added that the family was trying to cope with the shock of the General’s demise and would discuss the funeral arrangements soon.

He described his father as a General who was faithful and loyal to Nigeria.” He served this nation faithful and identified with all Nigerians and Africa as a continent. We are going to miss him.”

Late Dogonyaro was born on September 12, 1940 in Vom, Plateau State, though a native of Taroh in Langtang North Local Government Area. HE had his early education at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, and thereafter was enlisted in the Nigerian Army, 1964.

He was commissioned Second-lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 1967; officer commanding, 1 Recce Squadron, NA, 1967-69; quartermaster general, I Infantry Division (Main), N, 1969-70.

The late General became chief instructor and adjutant, Rece Training School, NA, 1970 to 1972; commanding officer, I Recce Regiment, NA., 1972 to 1976.

He was appointed principal staff officer, headquarters, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 1976 to 1977; commanding officer, 24 Armoured Brigade, NA., 1977-79.

Between 1984 and 1985, he was made the task force commanding officer, 203 Armoured Battalion on the Peace-keeping Force in Chad; director of Manning (Army), Army headquarters, ‘A’ Branch, N.A and director of Armoury, 1985.