Remains Of Nigeria’s Army Chief, other officers were on Saturday afternoon buried at the military cemetery in Abuja.
The remains of Nigeria’s Army Chief, late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Atahiru and others who died in a plane crash on Friday were all buried with family members, and government officials present.
The bodies arrived at the National Mosque for the Muslim fallen soldiers and the Church for those of them who were Christians.
At a brief prayer led by the Imam of the National Mosque, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, present were the Senate President Ahmed Lawan and a host of other government and military top echelon.
Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura said human beings must always be conscious and ready for death as it would definitely come.
“If you are looking for reality, this is reality,” said the Islamic cleric.
Immediately after the prayers, the bodies were moved into military ambulances and headed straight to the military cemetery.
Also at the National Mosque was the wife of the late Chief of Army Staff, Fatimah who was accompanied by a coterie of other women all in a pensive mood.
Also at the cemetery for the final rites were Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkhali.
The 11 officers including crew members that died in the crashed plane include Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru (COAS), Brigadier General MI AbdulKadir, Brigadier General Olayinka, Brigadier General Kuliya, Major LA Hayat, Major Hamza and SGT Umar while the Crew members include: FLT Lt To Asaniyi, FLT Lt Aa Olufade, SGT Adesina, ACM Oyedepo.
Some of the personalities present at the burial procession include the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
The Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura led the prayers for the late COAS before his body is being lowered.
The remains of Air Force Officers killed in the plane crash in Kaduna arrived at the Protestant church, Airforce base, Abuja.
The bodies were brought to the NAF base where the funeral service was held.
The officers who are all Christians include Brigadier General Olayinka and other crew members, FLT LT T.O Asaniyi, FLT LT AA Olufade, SGT Adesina, and ACM Oyedepo.
The five Christian officers were in the entourage of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Ibrahim Attahiru who died in the ill-fated aircraft.