Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador-designate to Benin Republic, Tukur Buratai (Lt.-Gen Rtd) has condoled the families of the late Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others who died in the military aircraft on Friday.
Buratai, in a statement he personally signed and made available to ASHENEWS on Sunday, expressed shock and sadness on the news of their tragic demise.
“I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the passing away of my immediate successor, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Acting Chief of Military Intelligence, Acting Provost Marshal (Army), the Aide-de-Camp and the Acting Deputy Director Finance in the office of the COAS, his Orderly, as well as the pilots and crew in an air crash on 21 May 2021 at Kaduna Airport.
“I would like to, on behalf of my family, reiterate my deepest sympathy and condolences to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, the families of the deceased, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, gallant officers, soldiers and airmen of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the passing away of the courageous, loyal and patriotic Nigerians in line of duty.
“This unfortunate incident deeply saddens me as it robbed us of their services of the Chief of Army Staff who, since he took over from me, had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to succeed in the various military operations across the country.
“He was at the verge of making the nation proud in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when this tragedy occurred. I do not doubt his ability as he had served under me in various capacities and was well grounded for the job with active support and collaboration of his colleagues.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these great heroes. May the Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest,” the statement reads.
