CHIEF OF NIGERIA’S AIR FORCE PAYS VISITS TO THE FAMILIES OF TROOPS KILLED IN A CHOPPER CRASH.

Tunji Wusu –

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, met and consoled the families of the tragic MI-171E Helicopter crew members who perished in the crash in Niger State on August 14 on Wednesday.

This was announced in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by air commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) director of public relations and information.

The air chief, according to Mr. Gabkwet, paid a visit to the family in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

While expressing sympathy to the families for the tragic loss, Mr. Abubakar said the loss was a significant blow for the NAF and would take the service some time to recover from.

He gave the family his word that the NAF would never leave them and would always stay by them through thick and thin.

He also gave them the assurance that their loved ones’ efforts would not go in waste, saying that the NAF family and all Nigerians would always remember them for dedicating their lives to ensure the country’s existence.

He promised, “The NAF will always be there for you and see you through to the end.”

In another instance, the CAS thanked the officers and staff of the NAF unit for their dedication and work in support of the continuing joint military operations in the Niger Delta.

He also reassured them that their dead coworkers’ sacrifices would not go in vain and promised that the service will take all necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The NAF MI-171E Helicopter, which was carrying four NAF crew members and all of the passengers, was on a mission to evacuate casualties when it crashed in Niger on August 14.

“Among the deceased crew members are Lance Cpls. Briggs Stephen Peter, Alaribe Daniel, Adamu Ibrahim, and Anthony Duryumus.

As part of the Nigerian Army servicemen who were recently attacked and slain by terrorists in Niger State, Cpl. Jauro Amos and Lance Cpl. Abdulrahman Abubakar of the NAF Regiment also lost their lives, Mr. Gankwet noted.