Ibrahim Babangida reportedly seriously ill

Former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, is reportedly seriously ill. Speaking with This Day, a source close to his hilltop mansion in Minna, the Niger state capital, revealed that the ex-president’s illness resulted in his inability to attend most public events. 

Although the real cause of his illness is still unknown, the source said that it was age-related. He added that Babangida might be suffering from a relapse of the radiculopathy disease which has troubled him since he was the head of the state. According to the source, the former Nigerian leader most times is unable to walk without a walking stick or the assistance of his security personnel. 

Babangida’s illness became public last week when he attended the valedictory dinner for Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, the former Niger state chief judge, and was aided out of the venue before the end of the event. 

The former president has reportedly cut down on receiving visitors at his home and often travels to Abuja where he receives medical attention. In Autumn 2014, the former military ruler was rushed to Germany in a desperate need of prompt and adequate health attention. Babangida was down with ailment relating to a chronic back pains which he earlier had surgery in Germany, making him to be seriously ill.