Army announces burial plan for Attahiru and six other officers

 

The Nigerian Army has announced the burial plan for Ibrahim Attahiru, the late chief of army staff (COAS), and six other senior officers.

According to NAN, Mohammed Yerima, the army spokesman, said the burial has been slated for Saturday in Abuja.

 

He said the event will commence at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre, Abuja at 10am.

 

Yerima said the interment of the late COAS and six other senior officers will take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja at 1pm.

The chief of army staff and 10 other officers died in an aircraft crash in Kaduna on Friday.

 

Attahiru was said to have been on his way to Kaduna to attend the passing-out parade of army recruits scheduled for Saturday.

 

In a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari expressed sadness over the incident and described it as a “mortal blow” to the country.

 

The Nigerian Air force said it is investigating the cause of the accident.

 

The incident came weeks after a NAF aircraft crashed after losing contact with radar in Borno state.

 

The jet was on a mission to provide support for troops on the ground fighting Boko Haram insurgents.

 

Earlier in February, another NAF aircraft crashed in Abuja after reporting engine failure en route Minna killing all seven personnel on board.