Plane Crash Kills Nigerian Army Chief, Ten Other Officers

3 years agoSat, 22 May 2021 11:29:59 GMT

Plane Crash Kills Nigerian Army Chief, Ten Other Officers

Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other military officers including the crew have died in a plane crash in the country’s north.

The Nigerian armed forces announced in a statement that the plane crash occurred on Friday “due to inclement weather” as the plane was landing at the Kaduna International Airport.

The armed forces said in a statement:

_The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru. The sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew._

_The COAS was enroute Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May, 2021 when the unfortunate incident happened. Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon. Mohammed Yerima Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 21 May 2021_

President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed the plane crash in a statement. He also consoled the bereaved families. Buhari said:

_Deeply saddened by the air crash that claimed the lives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers. All of them are heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land._

_This crash is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our Armed Forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country. My condolences to the families of the deceased, the entire military, and all Nigerians. The deaths of these officers will not be in vain!_

Nigeria has for a long period of time failed to resolve the Boko Haram security threat.