Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor of One Love Foundation has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army and the Attahiru family on the tragic death of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, describing the incident as a sad and devastating tragedy.
Eholor stated this in a statement personally signed by him, on Monday in Abuja, the human rights activist also condoled with the deceased’s Doka community, the people of Kaduna North Local Government Area and Kaduna State Government over the tragedy.
He recalled that the late Attahiru, who died in a plane crash along with 10 other officers on Friday in Kaduna, was appointed the 25th COAS about four months ago, precisely Jan. 26, 2021. He was 54.
Eholor said the news of the incident was devastating, especially as the nation was in dire need of his services at this critical time of intense fight to win the war against insurgency and banditry.
He said that the deceased had a rich military career, and had held several command positions with distinction, including Theatre Commander, “Operation Lafia Dole’’, an experience the nation hoped to gain from as Army Chief.
“Gen. Attahiru had an illustrious military career and served the nation with full dedication and died on active duty. His memories will be difficult to forget.
“On behalf of One Love Foundation, I send my deepest condolences to Mr President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Nigerian Army, the government and people of Kaduna State and the family of the departed General,” the activist said.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the 10 officers, and for Almighty God to grant his family and families of the other officers, their friends, the Army and the entire Armed Forces the strength needed at this difficult time.
Eholor, however questioned the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to shun the funeral of the late Army Chief.
According to Eholor, it was disheartening and unjust for the President and Commander-in-chief of the armed forces to boycott the funeral of his service chief.
“What the President did was very wrong. I’ve never seen or heard anywhere it has happened before that a sitting president would boycott the burial of his service chief.
“Attahiru paid a huge price. He died while serving the nation. His family doesn’t deserve such treatment. The President must find a proper way of consoling his family and the armed forces.” He said.
