By President Muhammadu Buhari has announced today, Monday, May 24, a work-free day for members of the Armed Forces in honour of the late Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military officers and men who died in a plane crash in Kaduna on Friday.
The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities, and official residences.
This was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
“His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, has authorised that the national flag should be flown at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities, and official residences with effect from Monday 24th to Wednesday, 26th May 2021,” Mustapha said.
“This approval is to honour the memory and services of the late COAS, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, 10 senior military and service members who lost their lives in the plane crash on Friday 21 st May 2021.
“The President has similarly approved a work-free day for members of the Armed Forces on Monday 24th May 2021.”
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu quoted the President as describing the late COAS as an outstanding soldier and institution builder, who fought valiantly for Nigeria, until he breathed his last.
Buhari, during a telephone conversation with Mrs. Fati Attahiru, the wife of the late COAS, hailed the sacrifices of the military men, who lost their lives and the Armed Forces in general.
“He gave the grieving spouses assurances that the nation will never forget the supreme sacrifice of their spouses, urging them to take solace in the surge of extraordinary feelings of emotions across regions, religions, and tribes all over the country in appreciation of their sacrifices,” the statement said.
The President assured that Nigerians will continue to appreciate and support the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers are confronting the threats facing the nation.
