President Muhammadu Buhari, is reportedly deeply saddened over the air crash that claimed the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru’s life, as well as other Military Officers,
The President condoled with the families of the deceased, the Military, and Nigerians in general, describing them as “heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land”.
While praying that God receives the souls of the patriots, the President said that the crash “is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our Armed Forrces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country”.
The President pledged that the departed would not die in vain.
The Chief of Army Staff died in a plane crash earlier today, with about 7 Aides, reportedly.
Military source said that the late COAS was on a trip to Kaduna.
Efforts are on to locate the wreckage of the plane, and evacuate the remains of the victims.
His mission to Kaduna was said to be “official”.
Elsewhere, the National Coordinator, Concerned Advocates For Good Governance, Olusegun Bamgbose, Esq., described the death of Chief of Army Staff as shocking and suspicious.
According to him, this is one death that must be thoroughly investigated, adding that, the sad news will certainly pose a serious setback to the fight against terror in Nigeria.
A Military Beachcraft 350 carrying the late COAS went down at the Kaduna International Airport, claiming all passengers.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Director of Information, confirmed the mishap in a statement.
Speaking on the development, Bamgbose said: “The just reported death of the Chief of Army Staff this evening is very shocking and almost unbelievable.
“This is most unfortunate and disheartening. His death will certainly pose a serious setback to the fight against terror in Nigeria.
“It is tantamount to a coup. This is one death that must be thoroughly investigated. His sudden death is highly suspicious.
“Only just recently we heard the news of the death of Abubakar Shekau, and the next thing is the death of the Chief of Army Staff.
“There is certainly a nexus. The late Chief of Army Staff could have masterminded the death of Shekau, this possibly could be an act of revenge.
“This has clearly shown that the forces behind Boko Haram are very powerful. No one knows their next target. There is something fishing somewhere.
“His death is not natural. The Security Architecture of the nation must be overhauled as this is tantamount to a direct attack on the Presidency.
“Nigeria is in danger, as this insecurity is taking a dangerous weapon trend.”