President Buhari has described Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, the late Chief of Army Staff as an outstanding soldier and an institution builder, who fought valiantly for Nigeria until he breathed his last.
In a telephone conversation on Sunday evening May 23 with Mrs. Fati Ibrahim Attahiru, the wife of the late COAS and the spouses of the other deceased officers through her, President Buhari hailed the sacrifices of the military men who lost their lives and the Armed Forces in general, saying that Nigerians will continue to appreciate and support the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers are confronting the threats facing the nation.
A statement released by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehum said the President gave the grieving spouses assurances that the nation will never forget the supreme sacrifice of their spouses, urging them to take solace in the surge of extraordinary feelings of emotions across regions, religions and tribes all over the country in appreciation of their sacrifices.
The President who had earlier given directives to the Defense headquarters and the Ministry of Defence to do everything a government can do to provide comfort and ease the hardships of the families of the deceased, prayed to Almighty God to repose their souls and grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
Mrs Attahiru, on behalf of the rest of the families thanked the President for the love and care he has shown to them.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has approved Monday, May 24, as a work-free day for members of the Armed Forces.
According to Bashir Ahmad, PA to the President on New Media, the holiday is to honor the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers who perished in last Friday’s air crash in Kaduna.
Bashir added that the President has also ordered that the National flag be flown at half-mast in all public buildings from Monday, May 24 to Wednesday, May 26.
”President @MBuhari has approved a work free day for members of the Armed Forces on Monday, May 24, 2021 to honor the memory and services of the late Chief of Army Staff, and other military officers, who lost their lives in an unfortunate plane crash on Friday;
To honor the memory and services of the late Chief of Army Staff and other officers, President @MBuhari has authorized that the National Flag should be flown at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities and official residences with effect from 24th to 26th May, 2021
