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By: Okosun Dennis
The Defence Headquarters has said that the military plane that killed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Attahiru Ibrahim on Friday evening crashed “due to inclement weather.”
In a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu said in Abuja that “The unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.
However, a military source disclosed that the following officers were involved in the crash. LT GEN IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU; BRIG GEN MI ABDULKADIR; BRIG GEN OLAYINKA; BRIG GEN KULIYA; MAJOR LA HAYAT, MAJOR HAMZA; SERGEANT UMAR. While the crew members include: FLT LT TO ASANIYI; FLT LT AA OLUFADE; SERGEANT ADESINA and ACM OYEDEPO.
“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 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 combating 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.
