Buhari In Deep Pain Over Female Pilot’s Death -Presidency

– Says Her Bravery ‘ll Be Remembered

The Presidency said on Wednesday that President Muhammadu Buhari was in “deep pain” over the death of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, the first female combat helicopter pilot winged by the Nigerian Air Force.

She had died on Tuesday of head injuries she sustained during a road accident at the NAF Base in Kaduna, according to the air force.

“President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep pain the passing of Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile, condoling with the family on 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.

“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. 

“President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort the family she left behind”, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, wrote while conveying the President’s condolences on Wednesday.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, wrote of Arotile, “She was a very intelligent, disciplined, confident and courageous young officer who added value wherever she served.

“As a squadron pilot in Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State, she flew her quota of anti-banditry combat missions to ensure a safer, more secured Nigeria.”