Late Attahiru Served Under Me, He Was On The Verge Of Making Nigeria Proud – Buratai
The former Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) and Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Benin, Lt Gen Rtd, Tukur Buratai has said that the late Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, was on the verge of making Nigeria proud before his death.
The former COAS in his tribute said the late Attahiru had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to succeed in the various military operations across the country.
He said he was making progress in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when the tragedy occurred.
“He was on the verge of making the nation proud in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when this tragedy occurred.
“I do not doubt his ability as he had served under me in various capacities and was well-grounded for the job with active support and collaboration of his colleagues”, Buratai said in a statement.
swordpress.ng ojoojoo.com search: COAS Attahiru, 10 Others Buried In Abuja
Attahiru and 10 other officers died in a plane crash on Friday evening.
Buratai condoled with families of those involved in the crash, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the incident as tragic to all Nigerians and peace-loving people, adding that Attahiru and the officers that died with him were top-level officers whose records of service were meritorious.
“This unfortunate incident deeply saddens me as it robbed us of the services of the Chief of Army Staff who had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to succeed in the various military operations across the country”, he added.
Read Full Statement Below:
TRIBUTE AND CONDOLENCE ON THE PASSING AWAY OF THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF NIGERIAN ARMY AND SOME SENIOR MILITARY OFFICERS
I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the passing away of my immediate successor, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Acting Chief of Military Intelligence, Acting Provost Marshal (Army), the Aide-de-Camp and the Acting Deputy Director Finance in the office of the COAS, his Orderly, as well as the pilots and crew in an air crash on 21 May 2021 at Kaduna Airport.
I would like to, on behalf of my family, reiterate my deepest sympathy and condolences to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, the families of the deceased, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence, the Chief of Air Staff, gallant officers, soldiers and airmen of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the passing away of these courageous, loyal and patriotic Nigerians in line of duty.
I am deeply saddened by this incident that can best be described as tragic to all Nigerians and peace-loving people because Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and those officers that died along with him were top-level officers whose records of service were meritorious. .
This unfortunate incident deeply saddens me as it robbed us of the services of the Chief of Army Staff who, since he took over from me, had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to succeed in the various military operations across the country. He was at the verge of making the nation proud in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when this tragedy occurred. I do not doubt his ability as he had served under me in various capacities and was well grounded for the job with active support and collaboration of his colleagues.
While condoling the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I urge them to close ranks and make sure that their legacy lives on by consolidating on the gains made in the various operations. They gave their lives in the line of duty and patriotic service to the nation.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these great heroes. May the Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest. Amin.
Amb Tukur Buratai (Lt Gen Rtd) Ambassador-Designate to Republic of Benin and
former Chief of Army Staff
