The remains of Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Attahiru and others who died in a plane crash on Friday in Kaduna Airport has been laid to rest in the national military cemetery in Abuja on Saturday.
Their remains were on Saturday moved to the National Mosque and the Nigerian Air Force Protestant Church venues of prayers.
The burial rites started around 1 pm and were attended by top dignitaries in Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
Their bodies were later moved to the National Military Cemetery for the interment ceremony, where they were honoured with a 21-gun salute.
Conspicuously absent were President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo. Though the president had described the late COAS as a hero, Buhari’s absence at the funeral illicited reaction from a cross section of Nigerians.
Some Nigerians on Twitter wondered why Buhari failed to show up, given the event was in Abuja.
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri tweeted, “Sad that General
MBuhari did not attend the burial of the late Chief of Army Staff, General Attahiru. He was represented by his Defence Minister. Attahiru died serving Nigeria. Buhari, who went to Paris for 4 days, could not go to Attahiru’s funeral for 30 minutes.”
Popular Twitter user, JJ Omojuwa said, “If you can go to France, you can attend the burial of your COAS + others and use that platform as an opportunity to reassure your troops whilst celebrating the loss of our gallant men. But I shouldn’t tweet this. I shouldn’t attract unnecessary negative energy to my timeline.”
Abiola Sanni said, “I’m very disappointed heartbroken This is the least the President could have done.”
Ken Utah tweeted, “This is a good point but again what do we know? The level of secrecy being perpetrated is shocking to comprehend considering we are supposed to be in a democracy.”
In conclusion, Omokri, in a tweet via his Twitter handle, said, wonder why will anyone want to die for Nigeria after Buhari and Osinbajo failed to attend the burial of late COAS, other military officers.
