Monrovia, Liberia – The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah has conveyed his deepest sympathy to his Nigerian counterpart, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the government and people of Nigeria, following the tragic death of the country's Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, and ten other officers who were killed in a plane crash on May 21, 2021.

Gen. Attahiru had only assumed his new role in January when he was appointed by President Buhari to head the country's army. The plane carrying the officers - including the flight crew - was trying to land in bad weather in the north-western state of Kaduna. As a career officer, Attahiru rose through the ranks of the force, occupying various leadership positions, including as company commander of Nibatt-19 in Liberia during the days of the civil war.

President Weah hailed the bravery and personal sacrifice of the General and the other army officers who he said were helping tackle Nigeria's own security challenges and the region. He specifically cited Attahiru's peacekeeping duties with the West African peacekeeping force ECOMOG, saying his death is also a loss to Liberia.

The Liberian Leader sent his personal condolences to the families of the officers, urging them to take solace in the Lord during this difficult time.