18 July 2008
The joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today paid tribute to a Nigerian peacekeeper killed two days ago while on patrol in the war-wracked Sudanese region.
The death of Major Shehu Abdullahi Gada, who was shot by unknown gunmen on 16 July in Forobaranga, West Darfur, brought to nine the number of UNAMID peacekeepers killed in Darfur this year.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony in El Fasher, where UNAMID is headquartered, Force Commander Martin Luther Agwai paid tribute to his fellow officer and countryman.
"We are saddened that the young life and promising career of Major Gada was so suddenly cut short," he said. "We are consoled by the fact that he dedicated his life to humanity and died in that cause. He carried out his duties with dignity, honour and total dedication. He comported himself at all times in a manner worthy of an officer and a gentleman."
Mohammed Yonis, UNAMID's Director of Administration, expressed the mission's heartfelt condolences to the murdered peacekeeper's family and to the Government and people of Nigeria.
"Such attacks on our peacekeepers will not impede our determination to continue working to help the people of Darfur which is why we are here," he said.
Just a week before Major Gada's death, seven UNAMID peacekeepers were killed - and 19 wounded - when they came under attack for three hours in North Darfur.
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