Tributes on Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru and other Officers
Zulum Says Late COAS Was Committed To Ending Boko Haram Crisis
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has described the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru as committed to ending the age long Boko Haram crisis in the North East.
Zulum, who was accompanied on Saturday by his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima and Senator Abubakar Kyari, representing Borno North to the jana’iza (funeral prayers) of the late Chief of Army Staff, where they joined other top dignitaries and hundreds of sympathizers, said: “The commitment of the late chief of army staff to the fight against Boko Haram was very obvious.”
The governor, in a statement issued after his visit by his spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, noted that: “Within the short time he served, he had been to Borno on multiple occasions, meeting operational commanders and troops at battle fronts.”
He added that: “In all his interactions, he regularly motivated troops. The people of Borno thank him and all our gallant fallen heroes for their unquantifiable service to Borno and rest of Nigeria.”
The Governor said the late chief of staff was evidently committed to the fight against Boko Haram and was determined to significantly contribute to ending the insurgency.
He recalled that the COAS who died in a air crash on Friday, had since his appointment been to Borno State more than six times, to supervise ongoing military operations against Boko Haram, and had visited different army formations, mobilize and motivated troops in front lines in peace building efforts.
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DEATH OF CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF – Lt. GEN. IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU & 10 OTHER MILITARY OFFICERS AND SERVICE MEMBERS
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has on behalf of Members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), received with deep shock, the news of the fatal air crash that claimed the lives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other senior military officers and service member, near Kaduna on Friday 21st May, 2021.
The SGF expressed the consensus of all members of the FEC on the passion and professionalism with which General Ibrahim Attahiru discharged the responsibilities of his Office especially the prosecution of internal security operations across the country, since his appointment in January, 2021.
He also conveyed the condolences of members of the FEC to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the federal Republic of Nigeria, members of the defense and security forces as well as government and people of Kaduna State. Particularly, he commiserated with families of the departed heroes and prayed to God to grant them comfort and peace of mind at this trying times.
Finally, he prayed for God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.
SIGND
Willie Bassey,
Director, information,
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION
22nd May, 2021
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Tributes
Late COAS Gen. Attahiru inspired courage, confidence in the Military
– PMB.
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the Late COAS Lt General Attahiru Ibrahim as icon in professionalism that had inspired courage, confidence and dedication to duty among Men and Officers of the Nigerian Army.
President Muhammadu Buhari
“The late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru was an icon of Professionalism, bravery and discipline and he aptly demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international military assignment which culminated to being the Chief of Army Staff ”
The President who was represented by the Minister of Defence General Bashir Salihi Magashi at the burial rites of the late COAS and ten others held at the National Military Cemetery Abuja, described the ill- fated crash of the Air force plane which resulted in the loss of the Eleven soldiers as sad.
“Today is indeed sad and a trying period for the Members of the Armed Forces and our dear country. A period that witnessed the death of eleven brave, dedicated and committed Officers and Men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
President Buhari noted that the deceased were absolute Gentlemen who made sacrifices to the nation and would never be forgotten.
In a remark the Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen Leo Irabor said the death of the Officers would not be in vain affirming that their collective vision would be upheld towards achieving the desired mandate of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“I would like to assure Lt Gen Ibrahim and other Gallant Officers that your dreams and passion for a better and more professional Nigeria Armed Forces will not die with.”
General Irabor commiserated with the families of the departed men and officers and assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not waver in the fight against insecurity and achieving absolute peace in the country.
The burial rites was attended by the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan, the Chief of Staff to the president, Amb. Ibrahim Gambari, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha as well as the Minister of Information and Culture Alh Lai Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Musa Istifanus, some State Governors and family members of the deceased.
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MINISTER OF DEFENCE MOURNS, AS CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LT GEN IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU PAYS SUPREME PRICE.
The Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi has described as a rude shock and unfortunate the death in a plane crash of the 21st Chief of Army Staff Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru barely four months in the saddle.
General Magashi in a condolence message said the Air misharp that claimed the precious lives of the Chief of Army Staff, alongside others senior officers and his aides represents a huge national disaster.
While condoling the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Military and the Nigerian Army in particular as well as his immediate family and Nigeria in general he described late General Attahiru as gallant, dogged, disciplined and dedicated senior officer who died in the line of duty to his fatherland.
He recalled his unblemished track records of service to the nation as Director Army Public Relations,(DAPR), Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole and as General Officer Commanding, GOC which culminated into his elevation to the enviable three star status as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in January this year.
He described his emergence as Army boss at such a critical times in the nation’s efforts at surmounting her internal security challenges as symbolically strategic but impactfully shortlived in the anals of the service.
General Magashi sadly noted that although the late General died when his service is needed most, his short but eventful tenure as the Chief of Army Staff and over three decades of dedicated, selfless and patriotic service will never been forgotten.
He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and to grant him Alijannat Firidaus as well besiege God to grant the nation, the Military constituency and his beloved family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Signed.
Mohammad Abdulkadri Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity.
22/05/2021
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CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF REMARKS DURING THE BURIAL OF THE LATE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LT GEN IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU AND TEN OTHERS
LOVE FOR COUNTRY
It is deeply saddening that I have to give these remarks on this occasion. Why are we here? Love for Country! How did we get here? Love for Country! What is the purpose of the Oath of Allegiance? Love for Country! Yesterday, 21 May 21 was a sad day for the Armed Forces. It was a sad day for the nation as I received with shock and utter dismay, the gloomy news of the sudden demise of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others. The loss of our gallant, ebullient, energetic but calm Chief of Army Staff and other heroes of patriotic zeal and love for Country is painful but not in vain.
Today, Recruits of Depot Nigerian Army were to be on Passing-Out-Parade to herald their joining the workforce of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The COAS was to be the Special Guest of Honour at the event. One of our finest and best pilots was conveying him and the entourage. After landing, the cold hands of death which manifested in the stormy weather ended that journey. The sting of death, you have not stopped the fight against all forms of insecurity.
As we mourn, I remember with a deep sense of pride the life and times of an accomplished General, a reliable professional and a dependable colleague. It is human for me to recall, with a sense of loss, my personal experience with him at the NA Training and Doctrine Command, where I fondly called him my “Second in Command” Together we shared thoughts on moving the Armed Forces, and the Nigerian Army in particular, forward. These were moments I would forever cherish. He had a distinguished career and the unique privilege of commanding with distinction along the tactical, operational and strategic levels of military engagement in the Nigerian Army. These positions afforded him the unique opportunities to express his determination, energy, resourcefulness, professional endowments and strength of character. Quite 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 was needed the most, a time that is now gone forever, irretrievable and painfully sad. I assure you Ibrahim, that your dreams and passion for a better and more professional Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces would not die with you. I salute you and all the other compatriots aboard with you.
Therefore, we mourn with all the families of our dearly departed compatriots, the families of Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, Brig Gen OL Olayinka, Brig Gen AU Kuliya, Brig Gen IM Abdulkadir, Maj LA Hayat, Maj Hamza, Flt Lt TO Asaniyi, Flt Lt AA Olufade, Sgt Umar, Sgt Adesina and ACM Oyedepo. We pray that God would give you the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss to your families. We say weep not as we encourage you that the sacrifices of these our
comrades-at-arms to our fatherland would not be in vain. The Spirits of our colleagues live on. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not leave you alone.
The C-in-C will not leave you alone. To our fellow Nigerians, the challenges are but for a moment. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain undaunted. We are unmovable. The war against insecurity must be won. Keep praying for us. Remember the families of our fallen heroes. Remember, it is Love for Country.
To the able gallant and courageous officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as we mourn our colleagues, let us march on in our determination to defend our country against every form of threat. Your spirit is unconquerable! Rise up in strength! Rise up in faith! The death of our colleagues is not in vain.
God bless.
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*Aircraft Crash: Malami Cut Short Function at Son’s Wedding, Says Incident National Tragedy*
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has described the Military aircraft Crash that caused the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru as a national tragedy.
Malami received the news of the crash of the military aircraft in Kano while attending to guests in preparation for the wedding ceremony of his second son, Abiru Rahman Malami billed for tomorrow.
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Malami described the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and members of his team as dedicated patriotic Nigerians whose efforts to improve the security situation of the country was manifest.
Malami prayed Allah to grant eternal salvation for all that lost their lives in the air mishap.
He also prayed that the family members have the fortitude to bear the loss
The Minister said the late Army Officer who died in active service to the nation will always be remembered as a selfless and patriotic Nigerian who is passionate in duty.
Malami who thanked all the guests at the wedding ceremony said the wedding fatiha will be low keyed in view of the national tragedy and for strict observations to the laid down COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
He said many of the intended functions will be shelved to honour the deceased.
*Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu*
(Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice).
Friday 21st May, 2021
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IGP MOURNS LATE COAS, LT. GENERAL IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU, OTHERS
• Describes him as an excellent partner in the fight against insecurity
The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc, has condoled with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Nigerian Armed Forces, families and friends of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, other military officers and crew, who died in an unfortunate air-mishap while on national assignment on Friday, 21st May, 2021.
The IGP is saddened by the fact that the late COAS died while on a patriotic mission to advance the course of peace and save the lives of others. In his tribute to the late COAS, the IGP described him as “an exceptional military strategist, a friend of inestimable value, and an excellent partner in the ongoing fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the country”. The IGP noted that the late COAS represented “the best in the military tradition of courage, forthrightness, discipline, professional excellence, passion for national service, and strategic leadership”.
The IGP acknowledged that the death of Lt. Gen. Attahiru is even more painful given the equally highly-loyal, promising and professionally excellent officers, whose lights were eternally dimmed along with him in the ill-fated flight. This is in addition to the reality that he left a nation he so much loved at a time his experience and service are most critical to our nation’s stability.
The IGP urged the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, not to allow the tragic incident to dampen their morale, but to remain focused in the collective quests at restoring law and order in the country, as that will be the most befitting honour and memorial we can collectively give to the late General and the other fallen heroes.
CP FRANK MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA
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CORPS MARSHAL OYEYEMI MOURNS LATE GENERAL IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU, PRAYS FOR REPOSE OF THE SOULS OF OTHER DEAD OFFICERS
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has expressed shock over the death of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru which sad incident occurred at the Kaduna Airport on Friday, 21st May 2021 in an air mishap. He describes the unfortunate incident as saddening and a great loss to the nation at this critical period when the Armed Forces is committed to winning the war over the insurgency in Nigeria.
The Corps Marshal prays for the repose of the souls of the gallant officer and those of other Officers and crew who died in the same ghastly air crash.
Corps Marshal Oyeyemi while condoling with the President, Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Nigerian Armed Forces, families and friends of the late Chief of Army Staff and other military officers and crew, who died in the unfortunate air-crash enjoined all to take solace in the fact that the late Chief of Army Staff lived exemplary and patriotic life worthy of emulation by all.
He described the late COAS as a disciplined, forthright, committed and professional military officer who was unwavering in fighting and winning the war not only against insurgency and returning peace to the nation, but partnering with the FRSC to ensure safer road environment for all road users.
He prays that Allah gives fortitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, members of the Armed Forces and the immediate family and friends the fortitude to bear the great loss.. “May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him and others Aljanah Firdaus,” the Corps Marshal further stated.
ACM Bisi Kazeem, fsi,
Assistant Corps Marshal
Corps Public Education Officer
For: Corps Marshal
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THE CGI MUHAMMAD BABANDEDE MFR, MOURNS LATE COAS, LT. GENERAL IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU, 10 OTHERS
The CGI Muhammad Babandede MFR who Described the demise of the COAS and 10 others as a vacuum created and must be filled to continue the fight against insecurity and other vices threatening the peace of the country.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service Muhammad Babandede MFR has condoled with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Nigerian Armed Forces, families and friends of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim ATTAHIRU, and the other military officers and crew, who died in the ill-fated aircraft while on national assignment on Friday, 21st May, 2021.
The CGI is saddened by the fact that the late COAS died while on a patriotic mission. the CGI described him as “an excellent Senior military officer , The CGI noted that the late COAS represented “One of the best in the military hierachy of today a courageous, discipline, highly professional, passionate and a patriotic Nigerian.
Late Lt. Gen. Attahiru death is painful considering the crop of highly-loyal, excellent officers that were with him in the ill-fated aircraft. This is in addition to the reality that he left a nation he so much loved at a time his experience and service was most needed.
The CGI urged the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, not to allow the tragic incident to dampen their morale, but to remain focused and determine to fight the war to finish within the shortest time as a way of acknowledging his sacrifices and dreams in a way to restoring law and order in the country, as that will be the most befitting honour and memorial we can collectively give to the late General and the other fallen heroes.
CIS Sunday James pcc,
SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.
For:Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service. 22nd May 2021
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CGC MOURNS LATE COAS, LT. GENERAL IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU AND OTHERS.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali Rtd has condoled the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Nigerian Armed Forces, families and friends of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and other military officers and crew, who died in the unfortunate air-crash in Kaduna on the 21st May 2021.
The CGC, Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service are deeply saddened by the sudden death of these patriotic Officers who were in the course of making peace in the Country.
Describing the late COAS as “ disciplined military professional with exceptional passion for peace and a strong partner in the ongoing fight against smuggling”, he prayed for the repose of their patriotic souls.
While noting that a tragic incident like this could be capable of dampening the moral of personnel, the CGC urged members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, to remain strong and focused in the ongoing fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the country.
DC JOSEPH ATTAH
CUSTOMS PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF CUSTOMS
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MY CONDOLENCE MESSAGE.
I am deeply saddened over the death of the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten (10 ) others in the crashed military aircraft in Kaduna.
I commiserate with His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Armed Forces, the wife of the COAS, the families of other beloved officers and all Nigerians on this very painful loss.
The late COAS was a very committed, disciplined, dedicated and patriotic officer who brought a lot of transformation after his appointment as COAS which has started yielding fruits as normalcy is now seen in troubled spots arising from terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in some parts of the country.
I pray that the Almighty Allah will accept the soul of the departed COAS and that of other gallant officers and give us all the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.
Liman A. Ibrahim MIFire.E, FPA, icca
Controller General,
Federal Fire Service.
PRESS STAT
EMENT
News of the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and his entourage in an air crash in Kaduna, yesterday came to me as a shock. But as people of faith, we don’t question the will of God; we submit to it.
A thoroughbred officer and gentleman, General Attahiru had taken off with a lot of promise as the head of the Nigerian Army, to reposition it to more effectively confront the nation’s current challenges. But God knows best. The greatest honour his colleagues can do him and the others is to be more dedicated to the cause that they died fighting,to ensure that they did not make the supreme sacrifice in vain.
I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of all the deceased, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the entire members of the armed forces of the country and indeed all Nigerians over these very unfortunate losses.
It is my earnest prayer that God in His infinite mercy will grant eternal rest to their souls and also grant their families and all of us the fortitude to bear the losses.
Sgd
Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON
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PRESS RELEASE
ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA LOSES CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF AND TEN OTHERS IN AIR MISHAP
It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 Hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in company of his entourage, who were on official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap. The unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has therefore directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.
As we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, the AFN solicits the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident. We wish to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in combatting the security challenges bedeviling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain.
Meanwhile, the CDS urges all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss. The CDS also reassures all Nigerians of the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it continues to carry out its responsibilities.
God bless Nigeria.
Please disseminate this information through your news media.
Thank you for your cooperation.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
21 May 2021
