The Nigerian Army on Friday night said that the burial arrangement for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, would be announced soon.
At least 11 officers and crew members, including the Chief of Army Staff, lost their lives in an ill-fated plane crash on Friday.
WUZUPNIGERIA reported that the fatal crash involving the Nigerian Airforce plane occurred at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday.
Confirming the tragedy, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, said that the flight was bound for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja before the fatal accident.
However, Yerima, in a statement titled, ‘Chief of Army Staff, Attahiru, dies in air crash’, said: “The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. 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 COAS was en route Kaduna from Abuja on May 21, when the unfortunate incident happened.
“Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon.”
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement signed by the DHQ Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, revealed that the plane crashed as a result of bad weather.
He said, “It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria 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, 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.
“Meanwhile, the CDS urges all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss. The CDS also reassures 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.”
