Bodies of five Air Force officers killed in a plane crash in Kaduna on Saturday arrived at the Protestant church, Airforce base, Abuja on Saturday while those of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru and other Muslim officers arrived at the National Mosque In Abuja.
Funeral services and prayers were offered for the military officers who died in a plane crash on Friday evening in Kaduna.
The five NAF officers were on the entourage of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Ibrahim Attahiru (who died in the ill-fated aircraft).
The bodies were brought to the NAF base where the funeral service was held.
The officers who were all Christians included Brigadier General Olayinka and other crew members, FLT LT T.O Asaniyi, FLT LT AA Olufade, SGT Adesina, and ACM Oyedepo.
The solemn service began with an opening prayer by the presiding priest, Reverend Group Captain Dogo Gani, Director of Chaplaincy NAF headquarters.
Some of the wives of the deceased officers could not hold back their tears at the church service.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Musa Istifanus were also at the church service.
The service ended with the pale bearers moving the coffins out of the Chapel for the burial ceremony at the National military cemetery.
Somewhere else in town, the remains of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Attahiru, and other Muslim officers arrived at the National Mosque, Abuja for Islamic rites.
Prayers were said for them in accordance with Islamic rites.
Five ambulances conveying the bodies were received by military police officers and other dignitaries at the National Mosque for the prayers service.
Wives of the fallen soldiers and family members were also at the mosque wearing black outfits.
The emotion-laden family members could not hold back their tears as they received the bodies of the slain officers. (With reports by Channels TV)
More to follow…
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