A former Lagos governor and All Progressives Congress National Stalwart, Bola Tinubu, has described the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others in an air mishap in Kaduna on Friday as a tragic, unspeakable loss for the nation.
In a condolence message on Saturday by his Media Office in Abuja, Asiwaju Tinubu condoled President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army, the Defence Headquarters and families of the deceased military officers over the unfortunate incident.
“COAS Lt. Gen. Attahiru and the others were stalwarts and brave soldiers who had dedicated their careers, and now their very lives, in the service of this nation and toward the realization of the noble aspirations this nation represents.
“Their untimely and sad departure hurts. However, we owe it to them and to the nation to gather our strength and fortitude. We must gird ourselves that we finish the job to which they dedicated and gave their lives.
“Let us remember these brave patriots not with our tears but by achieving victory over the terrorism and violence that seek to rob our nation of its finest destiny.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state on Saturday commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army and sympathised with families and friends of the late Chief of Army Staff and the other victims of the plane crash.
He described Attahiru, the 21st Chief of Army Staff, as a dutiful and committed soldier, who served Nigeria passionately. The governor commended the late army general’s contributions to the war against insurgency.
According to him, the country will miss his rich experience and knowledge. “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Nigerian Army, and families, friends and associates of the late Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers involved in the air crash.
Also, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Musa Bello expressed deep sadness on the death of COAS Attahiru and 10 other members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“On behalf of the FCT Administration and residents of the FCT, Malam Bello extends his deepest condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen Bashir Magashi, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Isiaka Amao, the Officers and Men of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Airforce as well as the families of the deceased,” Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, quoted the Minister as saying.
On his part, Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers described the tragic death of Lt. Gen. Attahiru and other military personnel in a plane crash, as a colossal loss to the nation.
Wike, in a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, said that he was saddened by the catastrophic crash on Friday in Kaduna that claimed the lives of Attahiru and others.
“It is with profound sadness that I convey the deepest condolences of the Government and people of Rivers State to the Nigerian Armed Forces and bereaved families of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other military personnel on board the ill-fated aircraft.
“We feel deeply saddened by the colossal loss of these patriotic and thoroughbred officers who sacrificed their lives to make our nation safe,” Gov. Wike said.
