Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, has died in a plane crash with some of his aides.
Military source said Gen. Attahiru was on a trip to Kaduna.
Efforts were on to locate the wreckage of the plane and evacuate remains of the victims.
His mission to Kaduna was said to be “official.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Army in its reaction, on Friday said the following in a press statement signed by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General ONYEMA NWACHUKWU:
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.
God bless Nigeria.
Please disseminate this information through your news media.
Thank you for your cooperation.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
21 May 2021
