General Ahanotu weeps for Attahiru during funeral ceremony in Abuja

Pall bearers for late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru: the final farewll

Pall bearers for late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru: Major General Ben Ahanotu, gives in to emotion during the funeral ceremony for him and 10 others at National Military cemetery, Abuja.  

Pall bearers for late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru: Major General Benjamin Ahanotu, gives in to emotion during the funeral ceremony for him and 10 others at National Military cemetery, Abuja.
Pall bearers for late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru: Major General Ben Ahanotu, gives in to emotion during the funeral ceremony for him and 10 others at National Military cemetery, Abuja.

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja/NAN

Major General Ben Ahanotu, the Chief of Policy and Planning of Nigerian Army shed tears on Saturday afternoon during the funeral ceremony for  late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru at the National Military cemetery, Abuja.

At the burial ceremony, Ahanotu was saddled with  the task of reading the funeral oration of the late COAS.

The Army Chief of Policy and Plans had represented his late boss at an event organised by the Nigerian Army Directorate of Public Relations on Friday morning, the same day Attahiru passed on.

Sources told PM NEWS that he was close to the late Attahiru.

He acknowledged this while delivering the funeral oration in which he dwelt on the professional history of Attahiru.

He temporarily gave in to tears while rounding off the oration as noted that Attahiru was a friend to so many, especially ‘me ‘

And it was at this point that Ahanotu dropped some tears and paused for some seconds, before saying ‘Amen’ to round off the oration.

He later cleaned his face with a while handkerchief before leaving the podium.

In the concluding part of the oration, Ahanotu had said, “It’s said that from dust we come and to the dust we shall return. Late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru has bowed to mother earth. His death is a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army and indeed, the nation. General, we love you and God loves you most.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, here lies the remains of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, a gallant professional soldier, a worthy son of Nigeria, a reputable senior officer  who respected and care for others.

“He  always had the desire to add value to wherever he touched, were ever he lived and he lived on friendly and sympathetic terms with his colleagues and he was always willing to help others.

“He was a caring husband, loving father and a great friend to so many, especially me. The late General Attahiru, Adieu, May your gentle soul rest ( pause for some seconds as his voice broke)…Amen.”

Major General Ahanotu representing late COAS Attahiru at a workshop of Directorate of Army Public Relations on Friday
Major General Ahanotu representing late COAS Attahiru at a workshop of Directorate of Army Public Relations on Friday

However, the General was not the only one who publicly wept at the emotional funeral for the late military chiefs.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that  family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers wept uncontrollably as the remains of Attahiru and the 10 other officers were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery.

The names of the other officers include Brigadier-General MI Abdulkadir, Brigadier-General Olayinka, Brigadier-General Kuliya, Major LA Hayat, Major Hamza and Sergeant Umar.

Others are Flight-Lieutenant TO Asaniyi, Flight-Lieutenant AA Olufade, Sergeant Adesina and ACM Oyedepo.

The interment followed funeral services at the National Mosque and Nigerian Air Force Protestant Church, after the bodies were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, at the funeral, eulogised the late Attahiru and other officers, who died with him

Buhari said that the late army chief was a dedicated and committed officer, who died when his services were most needed.

He said that late Attahiru had demonstrated a high level of commitment as well as inspired courage and confidence in the officers and soldiers of Nigerian army.

Related News

“Today is indeed a trying moment for the Nigerian army and indeed the armed forces of our country, a period that witnessed the death of 11 brave officers and men of the armed forces in an ill-fated plane crash in Kaduna.

“These were absolute gentlemen and were one of the most disciplined officers and men who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation and they will never be forgotten.

“These fine gentlemen had a glorious career in the armed forces in the course of which they served gallantly in several capacities,” he said.

According to him, the late Gen. Attahiru was an icon of professionalism, bravery and discipline and he actually demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international assignments.

“The late chief of army staff inspired courage and confidence in Nigerian army which informed the successes recorded during his watch.

“He led the Nigerian army from the front and was a source of inspiration worthy of emulation by all officers and men of the armed forces of Nigeria,” he said.

Buhari promised to ensure that the contribution of the deceased officer to the unity, peace and security of Nigeria would be remembered.

He also said the late three brigadier generals were some of the finest gentlemen in the armed forces in recent times.

He said that the late majors and crew members were also promising young officers that were dedicated and committed to the service of their fatherland.

He, however, condoled with the families of the fallen officers and assured them of the Federal Government support through the trying time.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, who titled his remarks, “Love for Country” said that the demise of the late army chief was a monumental loss to the armed forces and Nigeria in general.

Irabor, who recounted their thoughts on how to move the armed forces forward, said they were together training and Doctrine Command when their appointments were announced.

He disclosed that the Attahiru was on his way to the Depot Nigerian Army Zaria for the passing out parade of regular recruits slated for today before the sad incident happened.

“He had a distinguished career and a privilege of commanding with distinction along the tactical, operational and strategic levels of military engagements in the Nigerian army.

“This positions afforded him the unique opportunity to express his determination, energy, resourcefulness, professional endowment and strength of character.

“More significantly, he showed his patriotism and loyalty to the unity, security, stability and well-being of the nation.

“He was truly a fine officer and a gentleman, he has left us at a time when he is most needed, a time that is gone forever,” he said.

At the mosque, the Chief Iman, Dr Ahmad Onilewura, urged everyone to be mindful of death, adding that “it is only God that knows when and how anyone would die”.

He prayed for the souls of the departed to find peace in eternity.

In attendance at the funeral were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, governors of Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi and Yobe as well as other service chiefs.

Also, the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, among others attended the event.

Load more