President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the loss of officers and soldiers in a military helicopter crash in Niger State, on Monday.
The President, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the deceased personnel were answering the call of duty.
Bandits have, however, claimed responsibility for the crashed surveillance helicopter in Badna, Chukuba ward of Shiroro LG in Niger State.
Terrorists, in a two-minute-and-seventeen-seconds video, claimed they brought down the jet using an AK-47 rifle.
The narrator in the video, who spoke in Hausa, said they belonged to Dogo Gide group, one of the notorious bandits that have been terrorising parts of Niger State, causing deaths of many farmers and security operatives.
But in his reaction, the president said as the nation mourned the heroes, they would be remembered as servicemen, who gave their all for the peace and security of our country.
The statement read: “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.”
