NGF Describes Attahiru’s Death as Sadden

The Northern Governors Forum, NGF has expressed great shock over the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and others describing the incident as sad.

Chairman of the Forum, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State had in a statement noted the forum’s sadness over the loss of the Army Chief and other officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces who died while on official assignment in the course of advancing the security and peace of the country.

Lalong said  the country had lost patriotic men who gave their lives in defending the integrity of the country, and also ensuring that its citizens live in peace and security.

He said, ” Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was a committed soldier whose passion for defending Nigeria was very clear throughout his military career even before his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff. Since his appointment, we have engaged him as Northern Governors Forum and individually as Governors towards enhancing the security and safety of our states, region and the nation at large.

“Within the few months he held sway, we have seen improvements and high resolve to bringing an end to insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities. We had been working on consolidating this before this tragic incident that took his life and that of others working with him. We are highly shocked and pained”.

The Governors who condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army, families of the deceased officers and men, as well as the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, said the tragic event was deeply regrettable but should not dissuade the Armed Forces from putting their best in the service of the nation just as the deceased Chief of Army Staff, officers and men did before their sudden demise.

On their part, the thirty- six State Governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru died in active service and at the time all well-meaning Nigerians were beginning to enjoy a renewed confidence in the army.

The Governors in a statement on Saturday said the tragic and shocking incident occured when the soldiers were showing appreciation for their leaderships’ encouraging impetus in boosting their morale on the battlefields.

The NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, described the late chief of army staff as an exemplary soldier whose zeal, dedication and professionalism inspired his men in the ongoing war against terrorism and to secure peace and stability of the nation.

Lt. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru was appointed Chief of Army Staff along with other Service Chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26, 2021, and died on 21 May 2021  in an air crash at the Kaduna International Airport.