President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers killed in an air crash on Friday while on official trip to Kaduna.
Senator Lawan described the tragedy as a national disaster of immense proportion that has thrown the entire nation into mourning.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over this tragedy.
“This incident is saddening, coming at a time there is a fresh momentum in the nation’s war against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.
“I commiserate with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari and the families of the deceased over the tragic incident and wish the departed souls eternal peace,” Senator Lawan said.
Worthy Hero
Similarly, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has received with shock, the news of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others.
Senator Ndume in a statement personally signed by him on Saturday lamented that the late gallant General died at a time when the nation was looking up to him to effectively provide the necessary leadership that would eliminate insurgency and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.
He described Attahiru’s death as a national tragedy and that the army chief died a worthy hero.
According to him, “Attahiru and members of his team were highly dedicated and patriotic Nigerians who have already commenced the implementation of strategies that the Nigerian Army needed to tackle external and internal forces that are threatening the nation’s peace”.
Senator Ndume prayed Allah to grant eternal salvation for all that lost their lives in the air mishap. He also prayed that the family members would have the fortitude to bear the loss.
“No doubt, this is a difficult loss for the entire Armed Forces at this crucial time when we are confronted by insecurity in all parts of the country.
“I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) will grant the families and the Armed Forces the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss. Amen” he said.
Emmanuel Ukoh
