President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken with the wife of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Mrs Fati Ibrahim Attahiru, and the spouses of the other deceased officers to again console them over the death of their loved ones.
This was made known in a press statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Sunday.
In the telephone conversation with Mrs Attahiru and to other widows, through Fati, the president hailed the sacrifices of the military men who lost their lives and the Armed Forces in general.
He said Nigerians would continue to “appreciate and support the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers are confronting the threats facing the nation”.
He described Attahiru as an outstanding soldier and an institution builder, who fought valiantly for Nigeria until he breathed his last.
The president gave the grieving families assurances that the nation would never forget the supreme sacrifice of their spouses.
He urged 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 president had earlier given directives to the Defense Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence to do everything a government could do to provide comfort and ease the hardships of the families of the deceased.
He prayed to almighty God to repose their souls and grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
Mrs Attahiru, on behalf of the rest of the families, thanked the president for the love and care he has shown to them.
In the same vein, the president has approved that the national flag should fly at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities, and all official residences to honor the military personnel who died in a plane crash on Friday.
The measure will take place between Monday to Wednesday this week.
A statement from the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha on Sunday night, which disclosed this, also said that the President has approved Monday as a public holiday for the Armed Forces.
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