Attahiru: Why family, Army clashed at funeral ceremony

The family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, were involved in a disagreement with the Nigerian Army over his burial on Saturday.

They insisted that Attahiru must be laid to rest without a coffin according to Islamic rites.

However, senior Army officers argued that the late COAS will be buried according to military traditions.

The disagreement led to a short delay of Attahiru’s interment.

After some time, the family was convinced by the superior arguments and the grave was widened to accommodate the coffin.

Attahiru and 10 other military officers were involved in a crash on Friday at the Kaduna International Airport.

Apart from Attahiru, other victims were Brigadier Generals Ahmed Kuliya, O Olayinka, and MI Abdulkadir; Majors N Hamza, LA Hayat; Sergeants O Adesina, and Umar; as well as Aircraftman OM Oyedepo, Flt Lt TO Asaniyi, and Flt Lt AA Olufade.