Tinubu Mourns Death of Soldiers in Ghastly Helicopter Attack

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the families of the military officers killed in Niger State. 

In a statement, President Tinubu said “The tragic loss of our gallant officers and soldiers in a helicopter crash at Chukuba Village near Shiroro, Niger State, on Monday, brought immense sadness to me.

Tinubu explained that the late “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.”

The President also 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.”

Tinubu extols late soldiers

Saluting the sacrifices of these soldiers, Tinubu said, “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 Nigeria – the nation they loved and served to the end.”

Writing on behalf of a grateful nation, the president extended his condolences to their families, “Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the entire Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God grant them eternal rest.” 

What you need to know

Bandits invaded Chukuba Ward in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger, and shut down a fighter helicopter in the area, killing the pilot among other officers.

The Convener, Shiroro Concerned Youths, Mr Sanni Kokki who spoke with newsmen on Friday, said that the criminals ambushed and killed 13 soldiers along the Zungeru – Tegina road in Madaka Ward of Rafi Local Government Area of the state.

Kokki said, “As we are talking now villagers living around the area are all now moving towards Erena. This is another problem again because people are being displaced from their traditional homes to unknown destinations. We are having another humanitarian crisis in our hands with the economic challenges confronting our people.”