Ejoor suffered to avoid capture during civil war – Gowon

Yakubu Gowon

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Friday hailed the late Major General David Ejoor as one who had the love of his people in mind and so suffered to avoid being captured to fight.

Gowon said this at the funeral ceremony of the late general in Ovwor, Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

“Keeping Nigeria as one is a task that must be done. That is what is necessary. Ejoor was able to reconcile Urhobo and Itsekiri and also keep Midwest region as one.

“As a good soldier, he suffered to avoid being captured so that he does not fight another day. He had a lot of military knowledge.

“His soul will certainly be unforgettable as a professional soldier and administrator. He was my senior until the change that took place.

“I will like to say goodbye my colleague, rest well, I pray to God to receive you in His bosom,” Gowon said.

Ejoor died on February 10 at the age of 87.

Gowon later slumped at the ceremony but was later resuscitated by the emergency management team.

The ceremony was attended by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, and Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

Others present were the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ete-Ibas; former Delta governor, James Ibori; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other serving and retired military personnel.