Benjamin Adekunle, dies at 78

An active player in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), Brig.-Gen Benjamin Adekunle (retd.), is dead.

The war veteran, better known as Black Scorpion, died this morning at the age of 78 in Lagos, according to his wife, Folake.

Adekunle, who was compulsorily retried from the Nigerian Army in 1974, was the first to lead the 3rd Marine Commando, that eventually spearheaded the end of the three-year war in January 1970.

Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded Adekunle, arguably the most conspicuous and controversial figure during the war, in the 3rd Marine Commando .

A close friend to the deceased, who however did not want his name in print yet, also confirmed Adekunle’s death to our correspondent on Saturday.

Details later…