The former Military Administrator of Katsina State who handed over to the civilian governor at the return to democratic rule in 1999, Joseph Akaagerger has died, aged 69.

Senator Akaagerger, who was born on May 5, 1956, retired from the Nigerian Army as a Colonel and later represented Benue Northeast in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

The Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State announced his passing in an official statement.

The statement said “the late senator was more than a political figure, he was a symbol of integrity, wisdom, and courage, whose legacy transcends partisanship.

“Senator Akaagerger devoted his life to the service of the people. He consistently championed the causes of justice, equity, and development, earning the admiration and respect of friends and political opponents alike.”

Reflecting on his time as a senator, the APC said Akaagerger brought honour and dignity to the office, leaving behind a record of leadership that will continue to inspire generations.

“His death is a monumental loss, not just to the Konshisha people and the Jechira bloc, but to the entire Benue State and Nigeria at large.

“We have lost a voice of reason, a pillar of wisdom, and a bridge between generations,” the statement added.

The governor of Katsina state, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, said in a statement that the news Akaagerger’s death came to him with “with shock and grief.

Gov. Radda said that Akaagerger served meritoriously as Military Administrator of Katsina State from August 1998 to May 1999.

“In the brief but impactful period he spent steering the affairs of our state, he built bridges that have withstood the test of time.

“Today, we don’t just mourn a former Military Administrator – we mourn a brother who bound Katsina and Benue with cords of friendship that death cannot sever,” the Governor stated.

He noted that Colonel Akaagerger personified the ideal of service above self.

In statement issued on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, “After his distinguished military career and stewardship in Katsina, he returned to his home state where the people of Benue North East entrusted him with their mandate as Senator in April 2007.

“Colonel Akaagerger’s life exemplified the rare combination of military discipline, legal brilliance, and unwavering commitment to democratic values”

Governor Radda on behalf of the Government and the good people of Katsina State, expressed condolences to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, and the Akaagerger family following the passing of an elder statesman.

The governor further stressed that the late Colonel Akaagerger might have been the son of Benue by birth, but he became the son of Katsina by service.

“As we bid farewell to this legal luminary, distinguished soldier, and true servant of the people, we find comfort in the legacies of unity, selfless service, and unwavering integrity he last left behind. May God forgive his shortcomings and may his family find the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the Governor prayed.