…Buhari Expresses Shock, Says the Departed Would not Die in Vain.
…Chief of Defence Staff to Constitute an Accident Investigation Board
By Gift Olivia Samuel, The Sight News
An air crash has claimed the life of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.
The Sight News gathered that the crash which occurred Friday evening at about 1800 hours involved the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and his entourage, who were on an official trip from Abuja to Kaduna.
The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Friday, said the unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.
In his words, “As we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, the AFN solicits the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident.
“We wish to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in combating the security challenges bedeviling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain”.
The CDS while urging all military personnel and their families to take heart and be consoled on the tragic loss, also reassured all Nigerians of the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it continues to carry out its responsibilities.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness over the incident and condoled with families of the deceased, the military, and Nigerians in general.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) Femi Adesina, President Buhari described the deceased as “heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land.”
While praying that God receives the souls of the patriots, the President said the crash “is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country.”
He pledged that the departed would not die in vain.
Lt. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru took over the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian Army in an elaborate handing over ceremony by his predecessor, Tukur Buratai, on Thursday, January 28, 2021 in Abuja, after President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Tuesday, announced his appointment, alongside other service chiefs.
