The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru has died in an air crash today while on an official trip to Kaduna.
PRNigeria reported that he died with his aides in a plane crash, which occurred near the Kaduna International Airport. It was raining heavily at the time of the crash.
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Army spokesman Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima said in a statement that “The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen 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 en route to Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May 2021 when the unfortunate incident occurred.
“Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon.”
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) alao confirmed the death of Attahiru and others.
Among those killed in the ill-fated air crash is Major Lawal Hayat, an Aide de Camp (ADC) to the COAS.
Major Hayat, before enlisting in the Army, was at the Command Day Secondary School Kaduna, where graduated in 2002
Late Attahiru was in January this year appointed as COAS by President Muhammadu Buhari to replace Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai.
The Nigerian Air Force, in a tweet, said “An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport.
“The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon.”
