▪︎As Nigerian Army formally confirms death of 11 officers in air mishap
The Nigerian Army, on Friday night, confirmed the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru.
Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima said the sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew.
He said the COAS was enroute Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May, 2021 when the unfortunate incident happened.
Yerima said details of the sad incident and burial arrangements would be communicated soon.
Also the Acting Director Defence Information Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.
Nwachukwu said 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.
“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 Armed Forces of Nigeria (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,” Nwachukwu said.
He said the CDS urged all military operatives and their families to take heart and be consoled on this tragic loss.
Nwachukwu said the CDS 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.”
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