The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru. He died in a plane crash in Kaduna on Friday.
In a statement posted on its official Twitter handle, the Nigerian Army said that 10 other officers including the crew also died in the crash.
“The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru. The sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew.”
The Army Chief and six other senior officers’ burial proceedings is slated for today Saturday, 22 May 21, according to a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig General Mohammed Yerima.
“It will commence at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre, Abuja by 1000hrs respectively.
“Consequently, the internment for the late COAS and 6 other senior officers will take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja today by 1300hrs (1 pm).”
President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his sadness on the passing of Attahiru and others. He said that they are all heroes who paid the ultimate price, adding that the “crash is one mortal blow to our underbelly,…”
This crash is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our Armed Forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country. My condolences to the families of the deceased, the entire military, and all Nigerians. The deaths of these officers will not be in vain!
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) May 21, 2021
At least 20 military officers have lost their lives in the last three months in three crashes involving Nigerian Air Force jets, according to the Punch.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
