Army Reveals Burial Plans For Late COAS Attahiru, Others

The Nigerian Army has announced the burial plans for the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and six other senior officers who died in a plane crash in Kaduna on Friday.

Naija News had reported how the late Attahiru and six other senior military officers died in the Beachcraft 350 aircraft that crashed at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday.

In a statement released on Saturday morning by Director Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, the remains of the late Army Chief, and other senior officers will be laid to rest today by 1:00pm at the National Military Cemetery Abuja.

The statement added that they will be buried after prayers at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre respectively.

The statement reads: 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, 22 May 21. It will commence at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre, Abuja by 1000hrs respectively.

“Consequently, the internment for the late COAS and 6 other senior officers will take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja today by 1300hrs. “

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has described the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru as tragic.

Irabor, who stated this in a statement on Friday night signed by Acting Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu ordered an investigation into the cause of the crash.

He also reiterated the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Irabpr, however, urged all military personnel and their families to take heart.

The statement reads: “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.

“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.”