18 July 2008 -- The joint African Union – UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today bade farewell to one of its Nigerian peacekeepers killed on 16 July whilst on patrol in Forobaranga, West Darfur.

The peacekeeper was killed by unknown gunmen in five vehicles. His death brought to nine the number of UNAMID peacekeepers killed in Darfur this year.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony in El Fasher, General Martin Luther Agwai, UNAMID’s Nigerian Force Commander, 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, 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.