A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others as a tragic loss to the nation, saying the victims of the unfortunate crash were brave soldiers who had dedicated their lives in the service of this nation.
Tinubu, in a statement posted on Saturday, says the late COAS Attahiru will be greatly missed for his excelling character and fine leadership at this moment when the country is overwhelmed with security challenges especially in the fight against terrorism or banditry in many parts of the nation.
More on this story: UPDATED: Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Attahiru, Several Others, Dies in Plane Crash (LIST OF VICTIMS)
The ex-governor said, “COAS Attahiru had a most distinguished career. The army and the nation will miss his excellent character and fine leadership at this moment when we are fighting terrorism or banditry in many parts of the nation.
“Their untimely and sad departure hurts. However, we owe it to them and to the nation to gather our strength and fortitude. We must gird ourselves that we finish the job to which they dedicated and gave their lives.” Tinubu stated.
“Let us remember these brave patriots not with our tears but by achieving victory over the terrorism and violence that seek to rob our nation of its finest destiny.”
“Let this unfortunate accident not deter us but spur us and our valiant military to continue to defend this land from violence and evil,” Tinubu advised.
“We owe them a debt a gratitude that we can never truly repay except by defeating the violent challenges that now confront us.” He said.
Meanwhile, the more unfortunate demise of the COAS, Attahiru and other military officers on Friday has continued to generate reactions from Nigerians both home and abroad.
Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his reactions, described the death of the officers as a “national tragedy” saying the victims were patriots who died with their boots on, in “our collective quest for peace and security”.
According to former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode, “His tenure as COAS was short after a long & distinguished career in the Army. He was undoubtedly a brave & gallant soldier who served his nation with the utmost diligence & dedication. My heart goes out to his wife, family & loved ones. May the soul of Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru RIP.”