Saraki describes death of army officers as difficult loss for Nigeria

Jude Egbas 08:20 - 22 May 2021

Senate President Bukola Saraki.

11 officers died when a military plane crashed in Kaduna, northern Nigeria.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, has described the death of Army Chief Ibrahim Attahiru and other military chiefs in a plane crash, as a difficult loss for the Armed Forces and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The crash happened near the Kaduna International Airport on Friday, May 21, 2021.

“As the nation mourns the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and the ten military personnel that were onboard the aircraft that crashed in Kaduna, I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to their families," Saraki says.

Service chiefs from left to right: Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo [Presidency]

“Undoubtedly, this is a difficult loss for the entire Armed Forces — especially at this time when we are confronted by insecurity on several fronts. It is my prayer that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants the families and the Armed Forces the strength that is needed at this time,” he adds.

Attahiru was appointed Army chief in January to replace the retired Tukur Buratai.

The Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) has lost three aircrafts in three months:

February 21st crash in Abuja - 7 dead.

March 31st crash in Borno - 2 dead

May 21st crash in Kaduna - 11 dead.

3 crashes. 20 deaths.

Investigations into the crashes have not been made public. pic.twitter.com/2mA3b72Aos
— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) May 21, 2021