In a statement in Abuja, the family confirmed that their father passed on at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos on Monday night.
Signed by the son of the late IGP, Inyang Etim Inyang, the statement said the bread winner of the family died at the age of 85.
“We write to formally announce the call to Glory of our father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, Ovong (Sir) Etim Okon Inyang, NPM, KJW, GCON, Inspector General of Police (rtd) which event occurred at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos on September 26th, 2016.
“Sir Etim Okon Inyang joined the Nigerian Police Force on October 1st, 1949. He rose through the ranks, becoming Commissioner of Police in Kano and old Bendel States.
“In 1984, he was appointed Inspector General of Police and served meritoriously until his voluntarily retirement in October 1986. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in 1987.
He was conferred with the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and is survived by his wife, Mary, and five children.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of Sir Etim Inyang.
The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described the deceased as a gallant police chief who led his men to wage war against the high wave of crime and criminality during his tenure.
“Sir Inyang who rose from the rank of recruit to be Inspector General, was one of the best police chiefs this country has had over the years. Despite the high wave of crime that characterised the period he was in the saddle, he was dogged and consistent in his quest to bring the activities of a notorious armed robbery gang led by Lawrence Anini and his cohorts to a halt.
“Though his stint as the Inspector General of Police was short, he contributed his quota to the entrenchment of peace and security across the country. He succeeded in initiating the manhunt for Anini which eventually paid off under his successor,” the Governor said.
Governor Ambode said the late Inyang would be greatly missed not just by his immediate family, but the country at large.
He also prayed that Almighty God would grant the soul of the departed peaceful repose and for the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” Governor Ambode said.
