‘We salute their sacrifice’ — Tinubu mourns officers killed in Niger state helicopter crash

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. 

TheCable reported how the NAF’s MI-171 helicopter crashed while on a casualty evacuation mission at about 1 pm near Chukuba village in Shiroro LGA of the state.

In a statement, Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson of NAF, said the crew and passengers of the ill-fated helicopter had been hospitalised.

It was not immediately clear if those involved in the crash later died.

However, Tinubu, in a statement on Tuesday, said the news of the helicopter crash and the loss of officers brought him immense sadness.

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 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.

“May God grant them eternal rest.”