By Kamil Opeyemi
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja expressed sadness at the loss of gallant officers and soldiers in Monday’s helicopter crash in Niger.
The crash in which the officers and men died occurred at Chukuba Village near Shiroro.
“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,” Tinubu said in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday
He described the slain troops as national heroes who gave their all for the peace and security of the country.
He added that the troops 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.
“While we mourn their untimely departure, we will forever remember them, not just as servicemen, but as heroes who gave their all for the peace and security of our country.
“They will always be remembered as courageous men who ensured that their fellow countrymen and women live in peace,’’ the president said.
Tinubu saluted the deceased’s sacrifices, devotion and loyalty to the nation, saying “it is 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 also prayed to God to grant eternal rest to the deceased.