A Nigerian military plane carrying the Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, and other top military personnel has reportedly crashed.
Although the report of the incident is sketchy, information received indicates that there is no survivor in the crash.
According to sources, the aircraft crashed at the Kaduna international airport at about 6 pm while it was raining heavily.
The aircraft conveying the Chief of Army Staff, General Ibrahim Attahiru crashes in Kaduna. pic.twitter.com/AXHIlkBjtq
— Chronicle NG (@chronicle_ng) May 21, 2021
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the plane crash at the Kaduna airport although it did not list the names of those aboard.
“An air crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport,” Edward Gabkwet, Air Commodore, director of Public Relations and Information said.
“The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained,” the Air Force said on its Twitter account.
Reacting to the news, the Nigerian Army said, “The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.
“The sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew,” Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, director of Army Public Relations said.
The Nigerian Army added that, “The COAS was enroute 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.”
