The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that bad weather was responsible for the crash of a Nigerian Air Force Beachcraft 350 aircraft at the Kaduna International Airport.
The crash on Friday claimed all 11 souls onboard including newly appointed chief of army staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.
In a statement signed by DHQ acting spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the DHQ said the sacrifices of departed heroes will not be in vain.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 Hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in company of his entourage, who were on official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap, the statement read.
“The unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.”
The statement also said that the chief of defence staff General Lucky Irabor directed that an accident investigation board be constituted to further probe the accident.
“As we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, the AFN solicits the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident. We wish to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in combatting the security challenges bedeviling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain.
“Meanwhile, the CDS urges all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss. The CDS also reassures all Nigerians of the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it continues to carry out its responsibilities,” the statement added.
