Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade has bemoaned the demise of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Attahiru Ibrahim, who died in an air mishap on Friday.
A statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, quoted the governor as describing General Attahiru’s death as a tragic and monumental loss to Nigeria, and Cross River State in particular.
The governor commiserated with the immediate family of the late Army Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Nigerian Army.
Ayade recalled that General Attahiru had a long history with Cross River, having served in the state as the Commander of the 13th Brigade, Calabar.
“As a state, we are pained by the tragic loss of this thorough breed officer. General Attahiru’s death has robbed Nigeria of a dedicated and gallant officer, who died when his service to the nation was most needed”, Ayade said.
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The Cross River state governor said that as a state, “Cross River has lost a friend, a son and a thorough breed officer, who distinguished himself professionally, while in Calabar, as a Brigade Commander of 13th Brigade.
“We are indeed pained that General Attahiru had to leave us in this manner, but as a people of faith, we cannot question God. We can only pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
“On behalf of the people and government of Cross River state, I condole with General Attahiru’s immediate family, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army.”
“May the Almighty grant all of us, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, Ayade further said.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
