Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has described the tragic death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other military personnel in a plane crash, as a colossal loss to the nation.
Wike, in a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, said that he was saddened by the catastrophic crash on Friday in Kaduna that claimed the lives of Attahiru and others.
He stated that Attihiru, who on March 23 visited the Government House, Port Harcourt, had clearly articulated his vision and strategy to end insurgency in the country.
The governor expressed his condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of the deceased officers who in their life time served the nation meritoriously.
“It is with profound sadness that I convey the deepest condolences of the Government and people of Rivers State to the Nigerian Armed Forces and bereaved families of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other military personnel on board the ill-fated aircraft.
“We feel deeply saddened by the colossal loss of these patriotic and thoroughbred officers who sacrificed their lives to make our nation safe.
“Our thoughts are with the Nigerian Armed Forces and affected families in this hour of grief,’’ he said.
Governor Wike prayed God to grant courage and strength to the Armed Forces and bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.