The Nigerian Army has held a prayers for the peace of the country and for the repose of the soul of late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers who died in the ill-fated Beach Craft King Air 350 crash in Kaduna on May 21.

The prayer was led by the Army Director of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier-General Shehu Mustapha.

Mr Mustapha said the significance of the prayer was to remember the departed Chief of Army Staff and other officers who died with him as well as seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

He said that the event was also used to pray for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and for God to grant victory to the troops fighting on various fronts.

Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Faruk Yahaya said it was solemn to pray for the repose of the soul of the late army chief and other officers who died in the unfortunate crash.

According to him, the prayer is for them and all other military and civilian personnel who have paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation.

“We also prayed for the country, the military and all other agencies that are fighting for the nation’s security and we pray for Allah to answer our prayers,” he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Hamza Gambo and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao and other top military officers attended the event.

Also in attendance were the wives of officers led by the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Victoria Irabor.