President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and ten other military officers who died in an air crash in Kaduna on Friday.
The President’s condolence message was made public through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and shared via the Twitter handle of another presidential aide, Garba Shehu.
“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,” the tweet read.
The President offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigerian military, and the entire nation, describing the fallen officers as:
“Heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land.”
While praying for the repose of their souls, Buhari noted that the loss was a “mortal blow to our underbelly” at a critical time when the Armed Forces were intensifying efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges. He assured that their sacrifice would not be in vain.
Defence Headquarters Confirms Cause of Crash
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) later confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed due to bad weather while attempting to land at Kaduna International Airport.
All 11 people on board, including Lt. Gen. Attahiru, perished in the crash.
The statement, signed by Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, was titled:
“Armed Forces of Nigeria Loses Chief of Army Staff and Ten Others in Air Mishap.”
It stated: “At about 1800 hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, and his entourage, who were on an 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.”
Accident Investigation Board to Probe Crash
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has directed that an Accident Investigation Board be set up to probe the circumstances surrounding the crash and to determine the exact cause.
Background: Who Was Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru?
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was appointed Chief of Army Staff in January 2021.
His untimely death comes at a time when he was spearheading renewed efforts to counter insurgency and rising insecurity across the country.
What We Know So Far
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The crash involved a Nigerian Air Force Beachcraft 350 aircraft.
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It occurred on Friday evening, near Kaduna International Airport.
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Weather conditions were cited as the immediate cause.
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All 11 individuals on board, including senior military personnel, lost their lives.
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A full investigation has been ordered.
