Breaking: Chief of Army Staff Ibrahim Attahiru is dead

A shocking news has broken in Nigeria:

The Chief of Army Staff, 54 years old Lieutenant General, Ibrahim Attahiru is dead.

According to the reports the recently appointed Army Chief was killed in a plane crash in Kaduna this evening.

Mr Attahiru is believed to have died alongside other military chiefs who were on the same flight.

Although the Nigeria Airforce, through its spokesperson, Edward Gabwhet, earlier issued a statement about the crash of a military aircraft in Kaduna, the statement was silent about the occupants of the aircraft and details/identities of casualties.

“An air crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” it said.

Interpretation: Yes, there was a crash but no official confirmation yet.

Expectedly, the media space is awash with reports that the Chief of Army Staff, his wife and eleven others actually died in the place crash, just as condolence messages pour in.

From Oby Ezekwesili:

Tragic news on the Chief of @HQNigerianArmy Major General Ibrahim Attahiru and his colleagues.
May God comfort their families.✍🏾

From Femi Fani Kayode:

The Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, General Attahiru Ibrahim, has been killed in an air crash together with a number of his officers and aides. This is a monumental tragedy and a big blow to our nation. May their souls rest in peace & may God help Nigeria.

From Omoyele Sowore:

Very sad! The Chief of staff, @HQNigerianArmy and his wife dead in a plane crash. Condolences to their family.

From Senator Shehu Sanni:

The death of the Chief of Army Staff Attahiru Ibrahim and others in a plane crash is a national tragedy.May their souls Rest In https://t.co/cPqEPXiRjW deepest condolences to @HQNigerianArmy, their families and the nation.