Army confirms death of Chief of Staff, 10 other officers

The Nigerian Army says 11 officers died in the military aircraft crash that occurred in Kaduna on Friday.

The crash, which involved  Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, occurred on Friday evening near the Kaduna international airport.

Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff, who was one of the victims, was said to be on his way to Kaduna to attend a passing-out parade for army recruits scheduled for Saturday.

According to a statement by Mohammed Yerima, army spokesman, the army chief was on board the aircraft with 10 other officers.

“The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru. The sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew,” the statement reads.

“The COAS was en route Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May, 2021 when the unfortunate incident happened.

“Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon.”

Meanwhile, NAF has said it is investigating the cause of the accident.