Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, Senators Kashim Shettima and Abubakar Kyari on Saturday, joined top dignitaries and hundreds of sympathizers for the funeral prayers of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.
The funeral held at about 1:30 pm at the National Mosque in Abuja was attended by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, Minister of Defence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Inspector General of Police, and the Comptroller General of Immigration, amongst other serving and former public office holders, top military officers, families, friends and associates of the late COAS.
The bodies of the late COAS and five others were brought by military ambulances to the National Mosque for the funeral prayers.
The late Chief of Army Staff had since his appointment, been to Borno State more than six times, to supervise ongoing military operations against Boko Haram.
He had visited the different army formations, mobilized, and motivated troops in the frontlines in peacebuilding efforts.
Governor Zulum said the late Chief of Army Staff was committed to the fight against Boko Haram and was determined to significantly contribute to ending the insurgency.
“The commitment of the late Chief of Army Staff to the fight against Boko Haram was very obvious. Within the short time he served, he had been to Borno on multiple occasions, meeting operational commanders and troops at battlefronts.
“In all his interactions, he regularly motivated troops. The people of Borno thanked him and all our gallant fallen heroes for their unquantifiable service to Borno and the rest of Nigeria,” Zulum said.