Jonathan: Death of COAS Attahiru, others a national tragedy

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has described the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others as a national tragedy.

Attahiru and 10 others died in a plane crash on Friday in Kaduna State, throwing the entire nation into mourning.

Jonathan, in a condolence message expressed sadness over the death of  Attahiru and other military officers.

He described them as patriots who died with their boots on.

According to him, the death of Attahiru and others  was a national tragedy, praying God to console families of the deceased.

In his words: “I extend my condolences to the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, the late Chief of Army Staff and other military officers who died on Friday in an air crash in Kaduna State.

“The death of these officers is a national tragedy, as the victims were patriots who died with their boots on, in our collective quest for peace and security.

“May God console the families of all the bereaved and restore unto them strength and peace.”