Buhari Sad Over Death Of 36 Soldiers, Crashed NAF Helicopter

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his heartfelt condolence to President Bola Tinubu over the killing of some army personnel by terrorists in Niger state last week.

The former president said he’s also sad over the crash of a Nigerian Airforce, NAF, helicopter in the state.

The gallant soldiers were ambushed in Zungeru, while the Air Force MI-171 helicopter crashed during a casualty evacuation mission on Monday in the Shiroro Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

A group linked to a notorious terrorist leader Dogo Gide has claimed responsibility for the crash.

According to a viral video released by the criminals after the incident, they claimed to have shot down the helicopter with AK27 riffles. The DHQ, however, said investigation still is ongoing to ascertain what led to the crash of the ill-fated aircraft.

In a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the former president’s spokesman, Buhari described the killing of the army personnel as a great loss to the country and the armed forces.

The former president also expressed confidence that the nation’s armed forces will triumph over the terrorists, soon.

Buhari said, “I am saddened by the helicopter accident, following the tragic ambush in which we have lost our brave army personnel.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest,”

“With the soldier-discipline in our troops, it is a matter of time before they overcome.”