Saturday, 22 May 2021: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Saturday commiserated with the President, Muhammadu Buhari, families and friends of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ihrahim Attahiru and 10 others who passed on during the ill-fated NAF jet on Friday in Kaduna.

According to a statement by the Vice President’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, Prof. Osinbajo said he “received the news of the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers in an air crash yesterday with great sadness.”

He said "their death while in active service in the defense of our country reflects the depth of sacrifice our military officers, men and women of the other ranks are often prepared to make."

The statement with the title: “DEATH IN SERVICE OF ARMY CHIEF, ATTAHIRU, OTHERS REFLECTS DEPTH OF SACRIFICE, SAYS OSINBAJO” noted that their gallantry would always be remembered.

Below is the full statement of the Vice President:

"I received with great sadness the news of an air crash involving the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other officers of the Nigerian military yesterday.

Their death while in active service in the defense of our country reflects the depth of sacrifice our military officers, men and women of the other ranks are often prepared to make. We honour the service of the Army Chief and all those involved in this unfortunate accident even as we continue to demonstrate our profound appreciation to all in our military services and in harm's way. The gallantry of these heroes would always be remembered.

I join the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to commiserate with families, friends and colleagues of these gallant officers and men who died in the crash. I pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss. May the memories of the departed remain ever blessed."

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
May 22, 2021