Service Chiefs, others converge on Niger Barracks, as Nigerian Army observes 40th day prayers in honour of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, 10 other personnel

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The Nigerian Army, Wednesday 30 June 2021,  observed the 40th day prayers for the repose of the souls of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other personnel, who died in the unfortunate air mishap of Friday 21 May 2021 at the Kaduna International Airport.

The Chief of Army State (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya, who is partaking in the ceremonies for the time as the foremost military formation’s chief, expressed his condolence to the widows, children and relations of the deceased.

He urged them not to despair and assured them of the continuous support of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, said in a statement on dated 30 June, 2021 and copy of which was obtained by The DEFENDER.

Conducting the prayers at Niger Barracks, Abuja, the Director Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Shehu Mustapha prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest in Al-Janah Fir-daus.

General Mustapha prayed to God to grant the  families  and relations of the departed souls, the Nigerian Armed Forces and friends, the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

He further stated that the demise of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others is a great loss to the Armed Forces  of Nigeria and the nation at large. He reminded all of the need to be mindful of their deeds here on earth in preparation for live’s final journey.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Auwal Gambo,  Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, Principal Staff Officers from Defence and the Services Headquarters, members of Defence  and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) and Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA). Also present was the wife of the late COAS, Mrs Fati Attahiru, families and friends of the deceased amongst several other dignitaries.

Highlights of the event were the recitation of the Holy Quran, prayers for the nation, as well as condolence messages to the families of the deceased.