By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
One of Nigeria’s charismatic military officers, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, is dead.
He was 81.
Useni’s passing was announced yesterday by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Mutfwang said in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, that Useni, who was the fourth military Federal Capital Territory(FCT) minister died after a ‘’protracted illness.’’
The statement reads: ‘’The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, deeply regrets to announce to the citizens of Plateau State and all patriotic Nigerians, the passing of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
‘’The distinguished elder statesman passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman.’’
Mutfwang prayed that God grants the family, the people of Plateau State, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear the loss. He also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
He described Useni’s death as a ‘’tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.’’
The governor highlighted Useni’s ‘’leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.’’
Mutfwang noted that the late general’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in the North and Plateau State, in particular, would forever be remembered.
Gen. Useni served Nigeria in other capacities as former military governor of the defunct Bendel State, Minister of Transport, and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army.
On his retirement from the Army, the Langtang-born officer, joined politics, serving as Deputy Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Useni was elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He was for five years, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), a social, cultural, and pressure group covering the 19 states in the North.