President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officers who died in the helicopter crash in Niger state on Monday.
According to earlier reports, the NAF’s MI-171 helicopter crashed at around 1 pm in Chukuba village in the state’s Shiroro LGA while carrying out a mission to evacuate casualties.
NAF spokesperson Edward Gabkwet stated in a statement that the unfortunate helicopter’s crew and passengers had been taken to the hospital.
If anyone involved in the collision later passed away, it was not immediately evident.
In contrast, Tinubu said in a statement on Tuesday that the news of the helicopter crash and the deaths of the officers made him feel incredibly terrible.
The president said Nigerians will forever remember the officers as national heroes.
“These officers and men were answering the call of duty while on an evacuation mission. In their dedicated service to our beloved country, they paid the ultimate price,” Tinubu said.
“While we mourn their untimely departure, we will forever remember them, not just as servicemen, but as national heroes who gave their all for the peace and security of our country.
“They will always be remembered as courageous men who did not consider the perils and dangers of their national duty as paramount to their sacred mandate of ensuring that their fellow countrymen and women can live in peace.
“We salute their sacrifice, devotion, and loyalty to our dear nation – the nation they loved and served to the end.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my condolences to their families, the chief of defense staff, the chief of air staff, the chief of army staff, the chief of naval staff, and the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“May God grant them eternal rest.”
