Tinubu Mourns Iranian President

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials.

President Tinubu expressed deep sadness over this tragic event and hailed President Raisi as a leader who was passionate about Iran’s future.

While commiserating with the bereaved families, President Tinubu, through his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, prayed for Iran’s continued peace, stability, and prosperity. The President, on behalf of the Nigerian government and people, informed the Islamic Republic of Nigeria of its solidarity and prayers in this time of mourning. 

President Raisi died on Monday when his chopper crashed in a hilly area of the country. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, also died in the disaster. Rescuers had been searching the area since Sunday afternoon when a chopper carrying Raisi, the foreign minister, and other officials went missing. 

Early Monday, relief workers found the missing helicopter and state television reported that the president had died.

“The servant of Iranian nation, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi has achieved the highest level of martyrdom whilst serving the people,” state television said Monday, with Mehr news agency also saying he was dead.

Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi.

“I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran,”  Khamenei said in an official statement.