Late Attahiru Was At The Verge Of Making The Nation Proud – Buratai

Immediate past Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador
Designate, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the late Chief
of Army Staff was at the verge of making the nation proud
before his tragic end.
Buratai in his tribute to late Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said he
was making tremendous progress in the counterinsurgency
and counterterrorism efforts when the tragedy occurred.
He described the incident as tragic to all Nigerians and
peace-loving people, adding that Attahiru and the officers
that died with him were top-level officers whose records of
service were meritorious.
According to him, this unfortunate incident deeply saddens
me as it robbed us of the services of the Chief of Army Staff
who had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to
succeed in the various military operations across the country.
“He 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.
“I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the
passing away of my immediate successor, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim
Attahiru, 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 May 21 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 Staff, 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,” he said.
Buratai however, urged the armed forces to close ranks and
make sure that the legacy of the officers lives on by
consolidating on the gains made in the various operations.
According to him, they gave their lives in the line of duty and
patriotic service to the nation.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these great
heroes. May the Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest,” he
said.