Am saddened by the death of my successor– Amb. Buratai
Amb. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador designate to the Benin Republic said that he was shocked to hear the news of the air mishap that took away the lives of his successor and his entourage.
This was contained in a press statement made available to this medium yesterday,
“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), his Chief of Staff, 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.”
The late Chief of Army Staff served under Amb. Buratai as GoC 82 Div, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, and Deputy Commander, TRADOC.
Amb. Buratai said was literally destabilise with the news of the plane crash.
“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 said late Gen Attahiru 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,” said Amb. Buratai.
Amb. Buratai consoled the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and urged them to close ranks and make sure that their legacy lives on by consolidating on the gains made in the various operations. He said that they, “They gave their lives in the line of duty and patriotic service to the nation.”
Amb Buratai described the late gallant officers as great heroes and prayed to Allah to forgive them their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest. He also prayed to Allah to give all the bereaved the fortitude to bear this loss.