President Muhammadu Buhari says he received with “deep pain” the passing of the country’s first female combat helicopter pilot Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.
In a statement on Wednesday by his spokesman Femi Adesina, Buhari condoled the family on the “loss of such a promising officer, whose short stay on earth impacted greatly on the nation, especially in peace and security”.
“The President salutes Arotile’s bravery in the field to protect the country from onslaught of bandits and terrorists, assuring that her memory will be indelible, and her efforts remembered,” the statement read.
“President Buhari commiserates with the Nigerian Air Force, airmen, airwomen and all friends of the deceased, recalling her deft skills in manoeuvring combat helicopters, which he had physically witnessed with pride.
“The president sympathises with government and people of Kogi State on the loss.”
Buhari also prayed for the repose of the departed and for comfort on the family the 24-year-old left behind.
