In a heartfelt statement shared on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Dr. Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, conveyed his deep sadness regarding the tragic incident that unfolded in Niger State earlier this week. The unfortunate event involved an ill-fated Air Force helicopter crash and a deadly ambush that resulted in the loss of 36 soldiers.
The Nigerian Air Force, on Thursday, disclosed that an MI-171 Helicopter, engaged in a casualty evacuation mission, had crashed in Niger State. The aircraft tragically went down in Chukuba Village, Niger, leaving behind a trail of questions surrounding the cause of the accident.
Dr. Obi expressed his distress over the incident, labeling it as both unfortunate and disheartening. He highlighted the distressing level of insecurity prevalent in various parts of the nation, which continues to exact a heavy toll on precious lives, property, and the economy.
The LP Presidential Candidate extended his sympathy to the families of the valiant soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Dr. Obi lamented the ongoing loss of lives, emphasizing that the toll of insecurity is deeply painful and concerning for both the military and civilian population.
Calling for unity in the face of the security challenges, Dr. Obi underscored the urgency of addressing the menace of insecurity for the nation’s progress. He urged the citizens to unite against this formidable threat, acknowledging that without enhanced security, the prospects of development remain elusive.
As he offered condolences to the military agencies affected by these sorrowful incidents, Dr. Obi rallied their spirit and resolve. He encouraged them not to lose heart in the face of challenges but rather, to view these trials as the necessary journey toward achieving a safe and secure nation