Funeral Rites For Late Army Chief, Others Begin In Abuja

The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others involved in the ill-fated NAF aircraft on Friday in Kaduna have arrived in Abuja for burial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the remains of the late Army Chief and five others were taken to National Mosque, five others were taken to Nigeria Air Force Protestant Church for funeral services.

Those taken to the mosque with Attahiru are his Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Idris Abdulkadir, Chief of Military Intelligence, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya and Aide De camp to COAS, Maj. L.A Hayat.

Others are the Finance Officer, Maj. A. Hamza and the Orderly to COAS, Sgt. Saidu Umar.

While the remains of the Provost Marshal (Army), Brig.-Gen. O.L Olayinka and crew members, Flt.-Lt. T.O Osaniyi, Flt.-Lt. A.A Olufade, Sgt. Adesina and ACM Oyedepo were taken to the church for the funeral.

All the bodies will be moved to the Military Cemetery along Airport road for interment after the funeral services at the mosque and church.

The bodies arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10:50 a.m. before the movement to the mosque and the church.

NAN also reports that officers and soldiers, as well as families and well-wishers, are awaiting the funeral.