The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday was thrown into mourning when 11 of its personnel died in an ill-fated Aircraft near Kaduna International Airport.
Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said, "It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in the company of his entourage, who were on an official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap".
Nwachukwu said the unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has therefore directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.
"As we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, the AFN solicits the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident.
"We wish to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in combatting the security challenges bedevilling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain" he said.
Meanwhile, the CDS urges all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss.
The CDS also reassures all Nigerians of the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it continues to carry out its responsibilities.
