Victims of Nigerian AirForce (NAF) Helicopter Crash Buried in Abuja Amidst Tears

NIGERIA -/ ABUJA- The Five Crew Members of the Nigerian AirForce (NAF) who died in the NAF Mi-35M helicopter crash in Borno State on January 2 were Tuesday buried at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, amidst welling of tears.
The helicopter crashed while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak in Borno. Those who died in the unfortunate incident included Flight Lt. Perowei Jacob (pilot-in-command); Flight Lt. Kaltho Paul Kilyofas (co-pilot); Sgt. Auwal Ibrahim (flight technician); Lance Corporal Adamu Nura (gunner); and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael (gunner).

The remains of the personnel were laid

to rest at about 11:20am with full military honours.

Wreaths were laid by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, and others.

In his remarks, Abubakar said: "These gallant heroes lost their lives in the pursuit of the peace which we all enjoy and often take for granted. We salute the courage of these young men, whose lot it became to give their lives for this purpose.

"The loss of these courageous and professional gentlemen must spur the rest of us not only to rededicate ourselves in the service of our Nation, but also to expose and fight all agents of destabilization and extremism in our society.

"We must throw in everything we have to this fight to ensure that our departed colleagues did not die in vain.

"We must do everything possible to bring the ongoing insurgency in the North-east to a speedy end that is favourable to our nation.

"I am indeed deeply touched and saddened by the price which our patriots had to pay in this needless fight against insurgency.

"Our departed heroes fought that we live in a safe and secure Nigeria where the freedom of worship and association of one and all are guaranteed under one indivisible nation."

The Chief of Air Staff consoled with the families of the deceased.

"I know Nigerians everywhere join me in praying for you as you shoulder this heavy burden of grief.

“May time ease the soaring pain of today and please note that the entire nation shares this grief with you.

“There can be no better consolation than the knowledge that the nation grieves with you on the loss of these amiable and patriotic Nigerians, who paid the supreme price in the course of their duty to the fatherland,” Abubakar said.
   
The Chief of Air Staff presented the national colours to the families of the deceased crew members.