The remains of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt- Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other officers, who died in the ill-fated crashed NAF aircraft in Kaduna Friday, were buried in Abuja on Saturday.
Family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers wept uncontrollably as their remains were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.
The interment followed funeral services at the National Mosque and Nigerian Air Force Protestant Church, after the bodies were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, at the funeral, eulogised the late Attahiru and other officers, who died with him
Buhari said that the late army chief was a dedicated and committed officer, who died when his services were most needed.
He said that late Attahiru had demonstrated a high level of commitment as well as inspired courage and confidence in the officers and soldiers of Nigerian army.
“Today is indeed a trying moment for the Nigerian army and indeed the armed forces of our country, a period that witnessed the death of 11 brave officers and men of the armed forces in an ill-fated plane crash in Kaduna.
“These were absolute gentlemen and were one of the most disciplined officers and men who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation and they will never be forgotten.
“These fine gentlemen had a glorious career in the armed forces in the course of which they served gallantly in several capacities,” he said.
According to him, the late Gen. Attahiru was an icon of professionalism, bravery and discipline and he actually demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international assignments.
“The late chief of army staff inspired courage and confidence in Nigerian army which informed the successes recorded during his watch.
“He led the Nigerian army from the front and was a source of inspiration worthy of emulation by all officers and men of the armed forces of Nigeria,” he said.
Buhari promised to ensure that the contribution of the deceased officer to the unity, peace and security of Nigeria would be remembered.
He also said the late three brigadier generals were some of the finest gentlemen in the armed forces in recent times.
He said that the late majors and crew members were also promising young officers that were dedicated and committed to the service of their fatherland.
He, however, condoled with the families of the fallen officers and assured them of the Federal Government support through the trying time.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, who titled his remarks, “Love for Country” said that the demise of the late army chief was a monumental loss to the armed forces and Nigeria in general.
Irabor, who recounted their thoughts on how to move the armed forces forward, said they were together training and Doctrine Command when their appointments were announced.
He disclosed that Attahiru was on his way to the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria for the passing out parade of regular recruits slated for Saturday before the sad incident happened.
“He had a distinguished career and a privilege of commanding with distinction along the tactical, operational and strategic levels of military engagements in the Nigerian army.
“These positions afforded him the unique opportunity to express his determination, energy, resourcefulness, professional endowment and strength of character.
“More significantly, he showed his patriotism and loyalty to the unity, security, stability and well-being of the nation.
“He was truly a fine officer and a gentleman, he has left us at a time when he is most needed, a time that is gone forever,” he said.
At the mosque, the Chief Iman, Dr Ahmad Onilewura, urged everyone to be mindful of death, adding that “it is only God that knows when and how anyone would die”.
He prayed for the souls of the departed to find peace in eternity.
In attendance at the funeral were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, governors of Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi and Yobe as well as other service chiefs.
Also, the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, among others attended the event.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said he received the news of the death of Attahiru and other military officers with great sadness.
Osinbajo’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, on Saturday in Abuja.
“Their death while in active service in the defense of our country reflects the depth of sacrifice our military officers, men and women of the other ranks are often prepared to make.
“I received with great sadness the news of an air crash involving the Chief of Army Staff and other officers of the Nigerian military yesterday.
“Their death while in active service in the defense of our country reflects the depth of sacrifice our military officers, men and women of the other ranks are often prepared to make.
“We honour the service of the Army Chief and all those involved in this unfortunate accident even as we continue to demonstrate our profound appreciation to all in our military services and in harm’s way. The gallantry of these heroes would always be remembered.
“I join the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to commiserate with families, friends and colleagues of these gallant officers and men who died in the crash.
“I pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss; may the memories of the departed remain ever blessed,” the vice president said.
Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, described the death of Attahiru and others as one too many.
Lawan said this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Ola Awoniyi in Abuja on Saturday.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over this tragedy.
“This incident is saddening, coming at a time there is a fresh momentum in the nation’s war against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.
“The Chief of Army Staff and the other officers gave their lives for the security and unity of Nigeria and will be remembered as heroes in the history of the country.
“I commiserate with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari and the families of the deceased over the tragic incident and wish the departed souls eternal peace,”Lawan said.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday expressed grief over the death of the military officers.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, described the incident as a huge blow to the nation.
The party described late Attahiru and the other officers, who died in the ill-fated crashed NAF Aircraft as heroes, who gave their lives for the security of our nation.
The party commiserated with the military high command, families of Attahiru and other officers, who paid the supreme price for the security of the nation.
It prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
PDP, however, urged extensive inquest into the crash as well as the last two in which lives of officers were lost.
The party urged Nigerians to be at alert and continue to pray for fighting men and women, who risked their lives at the front to secure the nation.
All Progressives Congress National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, described the death as tragic and an unspeakable loss for the nation.
Tinubu, in a condolence message on Saturday in Lagos, prayed for repose of the souls of the deceased officers.
Tinubu noted that the army and the nation would miss the late Attahiru’s excellent character and fine leadership, especially at this moment when the fight against terrorism and banditry in many parts of the nation was still ongoing.
He said that their untimely and sad departure hurts.
“Lt. Gen. Attahiru and the others were stalwarts and brave soldiers , who dedicated their career, and now their very lives in the service of this nation and toward the realisation of the noble aspirations this nation represents.
“Lt. Gen. Attahiru, just like the others, involved in this tragic incident, served his country with zeal and vigour.
” He was known as a soldier’s soldier,” he said.
He added that everyone must gird themselves and finish the job to which the deceased military officers dedicated and gave their lives for.
“Let us remember these brave patriots not with our tears but by achieving victory over the terrorism and violence that seek to rob our nation of its finest destiny.
“Let this unfortunate accident not deter us but spur us and our valiant military to continue to defend this land from violence and evil,” the APC leader said
Tinubu said all fallen soldiers would all be remembered for their meritorious service to the country.
He said: “We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never truly repay except by defeating the violent challenges that now confront us.”
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Nigerian Army, the Defence Headquarters and families of the deceased military officers over the unfortunate incident.
He prayed that God grant their families the fortitude to bear this loss.
“I pray for a repose of the souls of these men and also pray that God grant the families of these brave officers the fortitude to bear this loss.
“This tragedy reminds us all, once again, of the great patriotism of the brave men and officers , who put their lives at risk in defence of our fatherland.
“Let us recommit ourselves to appreciating, supporting and encouraging them at all times,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commiserated with Buhari and the Nigerian Army over the death of Attahiru.
Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with families, friends and associates of the late Chief of Army Staff and other victims of the unfortunate crash.
The Governor described the 21st Chief of Army Staff as a dutiful and committed soldier, who served Nigeria passionately.
He praised the late Attahiru’s contributions in Nigeria’s efforts to end the war against insurgency, saying the country would miss the rich experience and knowledge of the late Army General.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian Army, families, friends and associates of the late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers who were involved in the unfortunate air crash.
“The late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru will be sorely missed by Nigerians, especially at this period when the country is intensifying the fight against insurgency and other criminal elements in different parts of the country.
Sanwo-Olu prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the families they left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State says the nation lost a brilliant officer in the late Attahiru.
Akeredolu’s reaction is contained in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, on Saturday in Akure.
Akeredolu expressed shock at the news of the death of the COAS and other illustrious officers on board the ill-fated plane.
He said that Attahiru displayed his worth and gave his best within the short time he served as Chief of Army Staff
“The late general displayed vigour and total commitment to the security of the nation.
“He died serving his fatherland with a great passion.
“The deaths are huge losses.
“I commiserate with the immediate families of the late COAS, as well as those of other gallant officers, who lost their lives in the plane crash.
“While commiserating with President Muhammadu Buhari, I also join the military in mourning the death of the highly decorated officers,’’ the statement quoted Akeredolu as saying.
The governor also prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead officers and for God’s comfort for their families.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State described the tragic death as a colossal loss to the nation.
Wike, in a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, said that he was saddened by the catastrophic crash on Friday in Kaduna that claimed the lives of Attahiru and others.
He stated that Attihiru, who on March 23 visited the Government House, Port Harcourt, had clearly articulated his vision and strategy to end insurgency in the country.
The governor expressed his condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of the deceased officers who in their life time served the nation meritoriously.
“It is with profound sadness that I convey the deepest condolences of the Government and people of Rivers State to the Nigerian Armed Forces and bereaved families of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other military personnel on board the ill-fated aircraft.
“We feel deeply saddened by the colossal loss of these patriotic and thoroughbred officers who sacrificed their lives to make our nation safe.
“Our thoughts are with the Nigerian Armed Forces and affected families in this hour of grief,’’ he said.
Wike prayed God to grant courage and strength to the Armed Forces and bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, expressed condolences on the death of Attahiru and the other military personnel, describing it as a national tragedy.
The governor, while reacting to the news of the death of the Army Chief and his entourage, said it was a black Friday for the country as 11 gallant officers fell, making the third of such disaster involving military aircrafts in the last few months.
Fayemi, in a statement, described the late Chief of Army Staff as a patriotic and fearless officer who was always ready go the extra mile to protect the sovereignty of his beloved country, a quality that was the hallmark of his military career.
The governor said the late Attahiru, who resumed office as COAS in January, brought in a fresh hope in the fight against insecurity and insurgency in the country; adding that the COAS’ determination had emboldened the military personnel and spurred them on to reclaim some territories hitherto lost to the terrorists.
The Ekiti State Governor said he was not surprised at the feat recorded by Attahiru within his very short stint as COAS; stressing that the deceased had earlier proven his worth in previous assignments including as Commander of the Operation Lafia Dole in the North East.
Fayemi prayed God to console the families of the COAS and 10 other military personnel who died in the crash and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“The Government and good people of Ekiti State express deep condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed forces, President Mohammadu Buhari, immediate and extended family members of the late General Attahiru and other military officers who died in the crash.
“We also pray Almighty Allah to grant the families of dear departed the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”, the Governor said.
The Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, described the death as shocking and devastating.
Oyetola who had taken to his Twitter handle and Facebook page on Friday night to commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari and the families of the deceased, urged Nigerians not to mourn like unbelievers.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Saturday morning, the Osun Governor said the late COAS was a brave, assertive and distinguished army General who gave his best to his country by leading the war against insurgency in the NorthEast and banditry in other parts of the country from the front.
“For me, the death of the COAS was shocking and devastating. On behalf of the Government and the good people of Osun, I commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky E.O Irabor and the entire country on the unfortunate death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other persons on board the ill-fated aircraft. My thoughts and prayers are with families of the deceased. May God grant their souls eternal rest,” the governor said.
Waxing philosophical, Oyetola further said: “But as we mourn, I urge us all not to mourn like unbelievers who don’t believe in the existence of God and life after death. Both Islam and Christianity preach that no leaf can fall from the the tree without the knowledge of the Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, the knower and seer of all things, long before they were planned and before they happened.
“Let’s mourn like Muslims and Christians who know God and pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased, while praying God to grant the families they left behind and us all the courage and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
“We should take solace in this saying of Prophet Mohammad (SAW): ‘What has reached you was never meant to miss you and what has missed you was never meant to reach you.’
“The COAS was a gallant officer, an administrator par excellence and an uncommon patriot who gave his best to the fatherland. May Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus,” Oyetola added.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State also joined other Nigerians to mourn Attahiru.
Zulum, in a statement, described Attahiru as “someone evidently committed to ending the fight against insurgency”.
The statement was signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mallam Isa Gusau, on Saturday in Maiduguri.
“Attahiru, within the short period he served as COAS, visited Borno to boost the fight against Boko Haram.
“The commitment of the late chief of army staff to the fight against Boko Haram was very obvious.
“Within the short time he served, he visited Borno on multiple occasions, meeting operational commanders and troops at battle fronts. In all his interactions, he regularly motivated troops.
“The people of Borno thank him and all our gallant fallen heroes for their unquantifiable service to Borno and the rest of Nigeria,” the statement quoted Zulum, who joined other dignitaries in the burial ceremony, as saying.
A cross section of residents of Maiduguri, who also reacted to the death, expressed shock and urged the military to honour him and other fallen heroes by pursuing the fight against insurgency with renewed vigour.
“The COAS died a hero and will be remembered with the rest as someone that paid the supreme price in the course of duty.
“The military and all stakeholders should honour them by doing all it takes to hasten the defeat of all terrorist groups,” Habu Ibrahim, an opinion leader said.
Also speaking, Mohammed Ismaila and Sadisu Musa, opinion leaders in Maiduguri, said that the COAS would be remembered for his frequent visits to Borno to boost troops’ morale.
“I won’t forget his motivational address to troops in Dikwa town where he gave them the marching order to recover some areas from the insurgents which they did within 48 hours,” Ibrahim said.
Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, described the death as a great loss to the country.
Marwa said this in a statement signed and released by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Saturday in Lagos.
Babafemi said that Marwa had sent the condolence message from Vienna in Austria, where he is currently attending a meeting of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Marwa in the message recalled his last meeting with Attahiru, and expressed his satisfaction over the late Army Chief’s plans aimed at tackling the security challenges confronting the country.
“The nation will miss Gen. Attahiru and the other gallant officers who died in active service.
“I recall my recent meeting with him at the Army Headquarters where I was impressed with his patriotism and plans for tackling the myriad security of challenges facing our country.
“This is a great loss to Nigeria.
“Our condolences go to his family, the Nigerian Army and also to the families of the other gallant officers and men in his entourage as well as the flight crew who died in the crash,” he said.
He also prayed for the repose of their souls.
