By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“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,” President Buhari said.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of Muslims in Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, led other top Nigerian dignitaries as Janazah prayers were offered at the National Mosque Abuja, for remains of Muslims among the military officers killed in the plane crash, which occurred at Kaduna International Airport on Friday, 21 May, 2021.
*Sultan of Sokoto, Mai Alfarma Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, middle, flanked from left by Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and Senate President Ahmed Lawan, during fidau prayers after the Janazah for the late Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and others, killed in the Friday’s ill-fated military plane crash in Kaduna, at the National Mosque Abija, on Saturday 22nd 2021.
Funeral service was conducted, concurrently, at the Nigerian Air Force Protestant Church in the nation’s capital for Christians among the deceased late officers.
Both religious funeral services, held in accordance to the respective faiths of the deceased, took place after their bodies were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other officers died in the ill-fated crashed Nigeeia Air Force aircraft.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others died in the air crash while on an official trip to Kaduna. The victims in details are:
1. LT GEN I ATTAHIRU (COAS)
2. BRIG GEN MI ABDULKADIR.
3. BRIG GEN OLAYINKA.
4. BRIG GEN KULIYA.
5. MAJ LA HAYAT.
6. MAJ HAMZA.
7. SGT UMAR.
CREW
8. FLT LT TO ASANIYI.
9. FLT LT AA OLUFADE.
10. SGT ADESINA.
11. ACM OYEDEPO.
Bodies of the 11 officers were later moved from both the National Mosque and National Church in a motorcade of black military ambulances to the National Military Cemetery Abuja, where funeral ceremonies in line with the tradition of the armed forces were held in their honour and they were all buried amidst outpouring of encomiums and tears.
The DEFENDER reports that family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers wept uncontrollably as the remains of their loved ones caught down by the unfortunate air accident were laid to rest.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the funeral by the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), eulogised the late Attahiru and other officers, who died with him.
President 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 the 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 the President, the late General 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, General 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 in Training and Doctrine Command when their appointments were announced.
He disclosed that Attahiru was on his way to the Depot Nigerian Army Zaria for the passing out parade of regular recruits slated for today before the sad incident happened.
“He had a distinguished career and a privilege of commanding with distinction along with 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 National Mosque, Imam 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 mosque funeral aside the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, were President of the Senate, Alhaji 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.
