The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor has directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to immediately unravel the cause of the air crash that happened on Friday in Kaduna, throwing the nation into mourning.
The New Diplomat had reported that Nigeria lost the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru in the air mishap. Also, 10 other military officers, including top ranking officers were killed in the crash.
In a statement, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, (AFN) said the air crash that happened around 6.00pm involving a military Beachcraft 350, Friday was partly due to an inclement weather, but noted that the investigation will reveal the remote cause of the tragic incident.
Reacting to the crash near the Kaduna International Airport, a statement signed by Brig.Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Acting Director Defence Information said: “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 combating 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,” the statement said.
