The Defence Headquarters, (DHQ), has an investigation into the death of Lt. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), and 10 others in a military plane crash at Kaduna state on Friday evening.
Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), Lucky Irabor, while regretting the unfortunate death of his officers, said it would not derail their focus in the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the country’s security space.
A late night statement on Friday, through Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Defence Information, (DDI), that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), was in deep sorrow over the losses but would not allow their death to be in vain.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 Hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in company of his entourage, who were on official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap.
“The unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.
“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has therefore directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.
“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 combatting the security challenges bedeviling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain.
The CDS urged all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss.
He 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.
Meanwhile,the burial proceedings of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 6 other senior officers who lost their lives in an air mishap in Kaduna is slated for today, Saturday.
The Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Mohammed Yerima,said in a statement that the burial rites of the fallen soldiers will commence at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre, Abuja by 1000hrs respectively”.
He added :”Consequently , the interment for the late COAS and 6 other senior officers will take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja today by 1300hrs”.
