Brigadier General Ali Williams Butu (rtd), an Associate Professor of Geography and Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, is dead.
General Butu, who hailed from Takum Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, died in Abuja after a brief illness.
The retired senior military officer, aged 58, will be buried at Butu village, Km 5, Takum-Kashimbilla Road in Takum LGA of Taraba, on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, who described General Butu’s death as shocking and painful, said it was a great loss to the State and the nation.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Emmanuel Bello, the Governor Kefas said Butu died at a time when the State and the entire nation needed his wisdom and leadership most.
According to the statement: “His courage, penchant for details, and focused dedication was not lost on anyone who came in contact with him while his commanding height and pleasant personality had such a magnetic pull on people.
“The late Butu’s expertise was well sought out around the country by state governments and the rest of the world on a consultancy basis.
“Despite General Butu’s accomplishments, he lived an exemplary life and was modest throughout his earthly existence. The nation and indeed the world have lost an intellectual, a forthright personality and an icon for the planet conservation causes.”