Army observes 40th day prayer for the late COAS, others

Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya (left) and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor commiserate with Mrs Fati Attahiru, wife of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim, during the 40-day prayers for the late general in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

The Nigerian Army yesterday observed the 40th day prayers for the repose of the souls of the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other personnel, who died in the May 21, 2021 air mishap at the Kaduna International Airport.

The COAS, Major General Faruk Yahaya, expressed his condolences to the widows, children and relations of the deceased. He urged them not to despair and assured them of the continuous support of the Nigerian Army.

Conducting the prayers at Niger Barracks, Abuja, the Director Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Shehu Mustapha, prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

He prayed to God to grant the families and relations of the departed souls, the Nigerian Armed Forces and friends, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He further stated that the demise of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others is a great loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large. He reminded all of the need to be mindful of their deeds here on earth in preparation for life’s final journey.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Auwal Gambo, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, and Principal Staff Officers from Defence and the Services Headquarters.

Highlights of the event were the recitation of the Holy Quran, prayers for the nation, as well as condolence messages to the families of the deceased.