21st May, 2021
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Nigerians have expressed shock following the death of the nation’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru in a plane crash in Kaduna on Friday.
Attahiru died in the crash along with seven other military personnel.
“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,” said Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information in a tweet.
Reacting to the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Nigerians said they were shocked at the sudden demise of the military chief.
Babajide Otitoju, a veteran journalist said “Goodbye my friend, Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, our new chief of army staff. This is so difficult to take, so devastating. RIP good man.”
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, said he was shocked at the death of Attahiru.
“The Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, General Attahiru Ibrahim, has been killed in an air crash together with a number of his officers and aides. This is a monumental tragedy and a big blow to our nation. May their souls rest in peace & may God help Nigeria,” he said.
Aisha Yesufu wrote; “This is heartbreaking! May their souls rest in peace.”
Bashir Ahmad wrote: “Painful! painful! painful! May their souls rest in peace.”
According to Senator Shehu Sani, “The death of the Chief of Army Staff Attahiru Ibrahim and others in a plane crash is a national tragedy. May their souls Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to @HQNigerianArmy, their families and the nation.”
Dr. Dipo Awojide wrote: “May the soul of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and others on board the ill-fated aircraft rest in peace. May God console their families, friends and colleagues. Amen.”
Bello Shagari mourned, saying “The death of Chief of Army Staff Lt.Gen Ibrahim Attahiru is shocking. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
Chidi Odinkalu said Ibrahim Attahiru was a fine officer and brilliant gentleman.
“When we last saw barely 48 hrs ago, he reminded me of all the attributes why most of his officers & men saw his tenure as #COAS of @HQNigerianArmy as hopeful. This is tragic!”