Tolulope Arotile, first female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force has died in a road traffic accident.
Reports have it that the pilot died due to complications arising from head injuries sustained in a road accident at NAF Base in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Arotile rose to limelight after she set record as the first female combat helicopter pilot, commissioned in October 15, 2019 following her graduation from Starlite International Training Academy, South Africa.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in a statement on Tuesday credited to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar confirmed her death, describing her death as an “irreparable loss”.
The stamen read, “It is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.
“She died today, July 14 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.
“Until her death, Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the service.
“During her short but impactful stay in the service, late Arotile, who hailed from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central states of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State.
“The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf of officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of late Arotile over this irreparable loss.
“We pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest,” NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said in the statement.
Source: Sahara Reporters