President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of some Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Niger state on Monday.
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, the president said the tragic loss of the nation’s gallant officers and soldiers in the helicopter crash at Chukuba Village near Shiroro, Niger State, brought immense sadness to him.
The Herald had earlier quoted NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet as saying that the MI-171 Helicopter was on a casualty evacuation mission when it came down.
In his statement, the president said that the victims paid the ultimate price in their dedicated service of their beloved country.
“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 Defence 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,” the president’s statement read in part.
Tinubu prayed to God to grant the departed soldiers eternal rest, adding that “may the perpetual light of God continue to shine on their souls”.