25th August, 2023
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The remains of 20 of the military officers killed during recent crash of the Nigerian Air Force MI-171E Helicopter in Niger State were laid to rest at a solemn ceremony in Abuja on Friday.
The 20 deceased officers were buried at the National Military Cemetery Abuja in line with military tradition as a mark of honour for their gallantry and sacrifice in defence of the nation.
Three officers and 22 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Zungeru general area of the state while seven were wounded in action.
The NAF helicopter was on a mission to evacuate the deceased and wounded troops when it crashed at Chukuba area of Shiroro Local Government Area of the state on Aug. 13.
The crashed helicopter was conveying 14 bodies of the previously killed soldiers and seven wounded ones, two pilots and two crew members.
Some of the military officers who died in the operation had since been buried in other locations.
However, the remains of the 20 officers buried in Abuja arrived the cemetery from Kaduna at noon for the funeral witnessed by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, service chiefs, families and well wishers of the fallen heroes.
The Governors of Kaduna and Niger States were represented at the funeral.
The event involved laying of wreath by the two ministers, and presentation of National Flag to next-of-kin of the deceased personnel by the CDS and service chiefs. (NAN)
OYS/BEN/MZA
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