The Acting Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Maj. Gen. Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim has penned down a tribute in honour of the Nigerian born award winning Defence Journalist, Mr Lawrence Bilal Audu who died recently in line of duty in Nigeria.
TRIBUTE TO LATE LAWRENCE BILAL AUDU
I first came in contact with Lawrence in November 2019, I was Acting GOC in 7 Division Maiduguri and he was part of a fact finding mission to ascertain the situation in the NE as at then. I decided to lead this patrol/ tour myself and I noticed this young man( Lawrence) who was very thorough and kept asking questions. We started in Maiduguri and ended in Madagali before returning to Maiduguri.
The tour was successful with zero incidents and a lot of interrogation of people, vehicles and settlements enroute. We struck up a friendship that endured till his untimely passage. I got to know his young family and his son who shared same name with me. He was a consummate journalist who understands that you can make your journalistic report on your country without being sensational.
He called severally to confirm true state of things before going to press. I encouraged him to study the lake Chad basin with its complex and intriguing features which has largely led to the security crisis in the Sahel and he did. As Force Commander of the MNJTF, he visited me a couple of times in Ndjamena and it was enriching. He offered good advice and insights. He was a brilliant young man who spoke French effortlessly and was at home in French speaking countries. He was a kind and compassionate man who loved his family passionately.
He loved his country and wanted the best for her. He brought a smile to all those came in contact with him. I am profoundly saddened to write a tribute for someone so young , talented and vibrant. I am grateful that you looked at me as a senior brother in your life time, I will cherish this forever. It is very difficult for me to offer my deepest condolences to your wife who I can’t refer as a widow.
May Allah protect her, grant her patience and succor and bless her young children. In Sha Allah, they will achieve greatness in life. As long as I live, I will try my best to support this family. May the gallant soul of Lawrence Bilal Audu find rest, may his family be comforted on this irreparable loss. Adieu my dear Brother 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Maj Gen Khalifah Ibrahim
OFR