Defence Minister mourns dead soldiers on ill-fated helicopter crash, orders probe

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, rtd, on Monday mourned dead soldiers and civilian officers aboard the ill-fated helicopter which crashed in Ilaje community in Ondo State on Monday.

He said the crashed Nigeria AirForce NAF 931 helicopter should be comprehensively investigated in order to establish circumstances that led to the incident.

Advertisements

In a statement on Monday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Leah Katung-Babatunde on Monday, said the investigation will unravel the circumstances surrounding the crash and ensure that necessary operational safety protocols were strengthened across military aviation units.

Musa expressed sadness over the loss of officers which he described the deceased officers and airmen as brave personnel who died while undertaking a routine flight mission in service to the country.

Advertisements

According to him, their deaths represented a major loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country, noting that the fallen personnel demonstrated professionalism, loyalty and commitment to national defence.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, I express deep sorrow over the tragic crash of our military aircraft with tail number NAF 931 involving dedicated personnel of the Armed Forces,” he said.

He condoled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, families and colleagues of the fallen soldiers and civilians in the crashed helicopter.

Musa equally condoled families families of the civilians who were aboard the aircraft, saying, “We share your grief.”

The minister said the loss was an irreparable blow to the military high command, the deceased personnel’s colleagues and the wider Nigerian society.

According to him, the fallen officers and airmen “exemplify the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the defence of our Fatherland.”

Musa prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the deceased and asked GOD to grant their families, the military community and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss.

Advertisements

Advertisements