Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has shared his profound sorrow following the tragic accident involving an Air Force helicopter that resulted in the loss of 36 soldiers in Niger State earlier this week.
Obi conveyed his sentiments through an official statement posted on his verified social media handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday morning when an MI-171 Helicopter, engaged in a casualty evacuation mission, crashed in Niger State.
The Nigerian Air Force, in an announcement made on Thursday, disclosed that the crash transpired in Chukuba Village, Niger.
A preliminary investigation is underway to determine the cause of the aviation mishap, according to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force.
In his statement, Obi expressed profound distress at the loss of the soldiers, who were reportedly victims of a terrorist ambush in Niger State.
The simultaneous occurrence of the ill-fated military helicopter, engaged in a rescue operation within the same state, only adds to the somberness of the situation.
He highlighted the distressing reality of rampant insecurity that pervades many regions of the country, a situation that continues to exact a heavy toll in terms of human lives, property, and the overarching economic well-being of the nation.
Obi extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the valiant soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while courageously defending their homeland.
According to Obi, these individuals, who fell victim to the tragic events, stood unwaveringly against the scourge of insecurity that grips the nation. He added that their contributions, which is marked by selflessness and dedication, will always be remembered and revered.
“The continual loss of lives, of our military men and other citizens, to insecurity is very painful and disgusting.
“We must unite as a people, to subdue this monster of insecurity threatening our collective existence, without which, no development will be experienced in the country,” he said.
While commiserating with the military agencies over the sad incidents, Obi urged them not to be dispirited over the challenges they faced but to see them as the inevitable path to go before achieving a safe and secure nation for all.
He said: “I commiserate with our military agencies whose personnel have continued to pay the supreme price, for peace and security in our nation.
“I want you to remain courageous and resilient in the fight. I will also like to encourage a full-scale investigation to be carried out to unravel the cause of the helicopter crash as a way of preventing future occurrences.”
The former Anambra governor restated his commitment to ensuring safe and secure Nigerians, adding that fighting insecurity in the country would always be his top priority.
According to him, fighting insecurity squarely, remains my priority in the New Nigeria, and so should it be, for long-lasting peace and progress in Nigeria.
Finally, Obi prayed God to grant eternal rest to the dead, console their families and console them as a nation over this great loss.
He said they would never give up on their nation as it was their greatest heritage in whose service all their sacrifices became noble acts.
