SUN 23 MAY, 2021-theGBJournal- The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba describes the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as an excellent partner in the fight against insecurity,’’ as he joins numerous other national and international leaders to mourn the passing of the Attahiru Friday in a fatal plane crash along with 12 other military officers.
The IGP noted that the late COAS represented ‘’the best in the military tradition of courage, forthrightness, discipline, professional excellence, passion for national service, and strategic leadership.’’
The IGP said the death of Lt. General Attahiru is even more painful given the equally highly-loyal, promising and professionally excellent officers, whose lights were eternally dimmed.
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has also expressed sadness over the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.
In a message of condolence to the families of the deceased officers Dr. Jonathan described them as patriots who died with their boots on.
In the statement, the former President said:
“I extend my condolences to the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, the late Chief of Army Staff and other military officers who died on Friday in an air crash in Kaduna State.
“The death of these officers is a national tragedy, as the victims were patriots who died with their boots on, in our collective quest for peace and security.
“May God console the families of all the bereaved and restore unto them strength and peace.”
On His part, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army and the Attahiru family on the tragic death of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, describing the incident as deeply saddening
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, the governor also condoled with the deceased’s Doka community, the people of Kaduna North Local Government Area and Kaduna State Government over the tragedy.
He recalled that the late Attahiru, who died in a plane crash along with 10 other officers on Friday in Kaduna, was appointed the 25th COAS about four months ago, precisely Jan. 26, 2021. He was 54.
Okowa said that the news of the incident was devastating, especially as the nation was in dire need of his services at this critical time of intense fight to win the war against insurgency and banditry.
He said that the deceased had a rich military career, and had held several command positions with distinction, including Theatre Commander, “Operation Lafia Dole’’, an experience the nation hoped to gain from as Army Chief.
“Gen. Attahiru had an illustrious military career and served the nation with full dedication and died on active duty. His memories will be difficult to forget.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I send my deepest condolences to Mr President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Nigerian Army, the government and people of Kaduna State and the family of the departed General,” the governor said.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the 10 officers, and for Almighty God to grant his family and families of the other officers, their friends, the Army and the entire Armed Forces the strength needed at this difficult time.
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