Helicopter crash: Obi commiserates with NAF, victims’ families

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party, expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force for the recent MI-171 helicopter mishap that cost the lives of some troops.

Obi called the situation unpleasant and said it made him sad.

He expressed his sympathies to the families of the servicemen who lost their life in the event on his social media channel on Thursday.

The former governor of Anambra State also bemoaned the general state of unrest in the nation.

He claimed that it has continued to bring shame to the country and to cost it valuable lives and property, along with the resulting financial implications.

In order to prevent similar incidents in the future, he asked for a thorough inquiry to determine what caused the crash. He also urged the NAF and other security agencies to remain optimistic in the face of difficulties.

“The terrible accident of the Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter while on a mission to evacuate casualties near Chukuba Village in Niger State truly saddens me.

“The appalling degree of insecurity in most of the nation has continued to make us look bad and cost us priceless lives and property, with the ensuing financial expenses. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the brave servicemen who perished in that catastrophe.

“I also want to express my profound condolences to the Nigerian Air Force over this tragic occurrence and urge them, along with other security forces, to not be discouraged by the difficulties, but to see them as our route to creating a safe and secure country.

“As a means of preventing similar incidents in the future, I would also like to support the conduct of a thorough inquiry to determine the reason of the crash.

“We will never stop fighting for our country. All of our sacrifices become honorable deeds in its service, which is our greatest heritage, he remarked.