By Emmanuel Nduka
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has released a personally signed statement mourning the military officers who were killed in an Air Force helicopter crash in Niger State on Monday.
The president’s tribute praised the selfless gallantry of the soldiers who laid their lives in service of their fatherland, and expressed the gratitude of Nigerians to them.
“The tragic loss of our gallant officers and soldiers in a helicopter crash at Chukuba Village near Shiroro, Niger State, yesterday, brought immense sadness to me.
“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.
“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,” the tribute on Tuesday night read.
