Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of the country’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers in an air crash.
A military Beachcraft 350 aircraft conveying the Army Chief crashed at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday, claiming all eight souls onboard including Attahiru, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff,
The aircraft crashed at the airport’s runway at about 6 pm local time.
This was confirmed by the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria, Akin Olateru, who said that all the persons on board died.
Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not provide details.
“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened over the air crash that claimed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers,” Garba Shehu, a presidential spokesman, said in a tweet late Friday night.
“The President condoles with families of the deceased, the military, and Nigerians in general, describing them as “heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land,” he said.
A list of the officers who died with COAS included Brigadier-General M. Abdulkadir; Brig-Gen Olayinka; Brig-Gen Kuliya; Maj LA Hayat; Maj. Hamza, and Sgt. Umar.
The crew members who died were Sgt. Adesina; ACM Oyedepo; Flt. Lt. Olufade, and Flt. Lt Asaniyi.
“The President pledged that the departed would not die in vain,” the Presidency said.
This brings to three the number of air crashes involving Nigeria Air Force planes this year.
On Sunday, February 21, seven NAF officers died onboard a Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft which crashed in Abuja on a mission from Niger State.
This was followed by another crash on Wednesday, March 31, when an Alpha-Jet aircraft involved in the anti-insurgency war against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province lost radar contact in Borno State. The two airmen on board the aircraft were never found, even after the aircraft was later declared crashed.
Gen Attahiru was born on August 10, 1966, and hailed from Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He was a member of the Regular Course 35 of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff, he was the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, and had also served as the Theatre Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole.
From Benin City, Governor Godwin Obaseki has mourned the death of the Army Chief.
In a statement, Obaseki expressed shock and sadness over the unfortunate incident, praying that God will grant the repose of their souls.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident and admonish the military to continue with the patriotic efforts to secure the country,” he said.
“Lt. Gen. Attahiru served Nigeria meritoriously, bringing his skill, experience, and expertise to bear in prosecuting the war against terror.
“He will always be remembered for his gallantry, commitment to service, and dedication to our fatherland,” Obaseki added.
