Maj. Gen. Abu Hadid. (Photo: Courtesy).

Maj. Gen. Juma Babu commonly known as Abu Hadid (iron man), a veteran in the war for South Sudan independence, passed away at Giada Military Hospital in Juba on Sunday after a short illness, an official source confirms.

Abu Hadid lived beyond 70 years and was a Major General in the South Sudan Prison Service until his death. He is a veteran of the 105th Battalion of the SPLA, which in May 1983 started a mutiny against the Sudanese army in Malual-chaat in Bor.

In an interview with Eye Radio, Gola Boyoi, Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor Administrative Area described Abu Hadid as a brave soldier who fought for his country on many fronts.

Boyoi conveyed condolences to the family, the people of Greater Pibor and South Sudan for the loss of General Abu Hadid.

“He was called Abu Hadid because of his braveness in the battlefield and is one of the members of the 105 battalion who have rebelled against the Khartoum regime in Bor, Pibor and Akobo,” he narrated.

“He has been part of the liberation struggle and was in the prison service until his departure. This is a time of great loss, to the people of Greater Pibor Administrative Area and South Sudan at large, because he’s like the dictionary.”

Meanwhile, Sudanese political leader Yassir Saeed Arman commended sacrifice of the fallen general in social media statement.

Arman said Abu Hadid greatly contributed to the success of Sudan People’s Liberation Army and the attainment of South Sudan independence.