General Ibrahim Attahiru, Nigeria’s chief of Army Staff, died in a plane crash on Friday, adding another sad event to the history of service chiefs who have died in airplane accidents over the past five decades. His tenure as the Nigeria Chief of Army Staff was the shortest term in office.
Following the news of his death, many political leaders and Nigerians have issued statements and condolence messages on social media paying tribute to Ibrahim Attahiru and his family.
The air-crash tragedy is a grim reminder of the frailties of Nigeria’s military brass hats. Their painful exits often shock and jolt the entire nation.
Mr Attahiru will be the fourth service chief who have died of fatal airplane accidents in the history of Nigeria.
Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru (May 2021)
Ibrahim Attahiru was appointed as head of the Nigerian Army in January 2021. The 54-year-old replaced Tukur Buratai in January 2021. Attahiru was appointed alongside three other service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Barely four months into office, Mr Attahiru died in the line of duty as the Nigerian Air Force Beechcracft 350 jet he boarded from Abuja crashed on landing at the Kaduna International Airport.
He and and 10 other military officers perished in the sad accident. Some report blamed bad weather for the crash but official sources are yet to confirm the cause.
Mr Attahiru and the other officers were buried at the National Military Cemetery Abuja after final burial rites were performed for them.
He passed away at a time when Nigeria needs strong and effective hand to deal with the raging terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges disturbing the peace of the country.
Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi ( December 2012)
General Andrew Azazi died in an airplane crash in Bayelsa on December 15, 2012 while he was serving as the National Security Adviser during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2006, Mr Azazi served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff and was later appointed by late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua as the Chief of Defence Staff in 2007 until he retired in 2008 and was replaced by Air Chief Marshall Paul Dike (retired).
The circumstances around the death of the Ijaw-born general has since raised some conspiracy theories as he died alongside four others including the former Kaduna governor Patrick Yokowa.
Peoples Gazette recently reported how jihadist group led by current communications minister Isa Pantami plotted to eliminate Mr Yakowa months before the fateful crash. Though government never made report of the accident investigation public, unofficial sources claim the military jet was faulty.
General Azazi had narrowly escaped an airplane crash that killed several military officers in 2006, but he could not cheat death six years later.
Plane Crash: Buratai speaks on Attahiru, other military chief’s death
Colonel Shittu Alao ( October 1969)
Colonel Shittu Alao sadly died in a military plane crash on October 1969 at the age of 32. Mr Alao died in an L-29 aircraft while on on duty.
Prior to his death in Benin, Mr Also served as Nigeria’s second Chief of Air Staff from 1967 to 1969 after he succeeded Brigadier Kurubo on 5 August 1967.
Mr Alao personally conducted Nigeria Air Force raids during the civil war, earning him applause as a brave officer and pilot.
Colonel Joseph Akaahan ( August 1967)
Colonel Joseph Akaahan was killed in a plane crash at the age of 30. He died few months after his appointment as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, in August 1967.
Mr Akaahan, who hailed from Gboko, Benue State, died during the civil war after he returned from sick leave.
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Aviation experts said the crash happened due to an explosion, just 70 miles away from his landing area. He died alongside two young pilots.
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