Gbenro Adesina
Amidst tears and sorrow, the bodies of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other 10 deceased officers, who died yesterday in a plane crash at Kaduna International Airport due to bad weather have been laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.
The other deceased are Brig Gen Ol Olayinka, Brig Gen AU Kuliya, Brig Gen MI Abdulkadir, Maj N Hamza, Maj LA Hayat, Flt Lt To Asaniyi, Flt Lt AA Olufade, Sgt O Adesina, Sgt Umar, ACM OM Oyedepo
Speaking at the occasion, President Muhammadu Buhari described the death of the officers as a national disaster.
Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Bashir Salihi Magashi said that their death has made this period a trying one for the country and the armed forces.
He described the deceased as absolute gentlemen, who served the nation gallantly and sacrificed their lives in the service to Nigeria.
The President particularly described Attahiru as an icon of professionalism and bravery, who would be remembered for his dedication and landmark contributions to the peace and security of his country.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Leo Irabor, in his brief remarks, titled, “Love for country”, said that Attahiru and the others died for the love they had for their country.
He said, “Why are we here,? Love for country How did we get here? Love for country? What is the purpose of the oath of allegiance? Love for country”.
According to him, the death of the army officers was painful to him, stressing that though, they died while in active service, their death is not in vain.
Irabor said that the death of Attahiru and others showed that death has not stopped the fight against insecurity, pointing out that at all cost, the nation must win the war against insecurity.
The funeral was witnessed by the family and friends of the deceased as well as eminent personalities in Nigeria including President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Senator Kashim Shettima, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni, chief of staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Sultan of Sokoto, Inspector General of Police, Comptroller General of Immigration, members of Diplomatic Corps, captains of industry and high ranking politicians and political office holders.
