Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid tribute to the 32 officers who lost their lives in Monday's Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State. He described their deaths as a painful national loss and assured the bereaved families that the federal government's responsibility to them would not end with words of condolence. The Vice President conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Vice President noted that the deceased were not just colleagues, friends and comrades, but also husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. He said their supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation will never be forgotten. VP Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's message following the tragedy, which included a declaration of three days of national mourning and a directive to fly flags at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
President Tinubu also directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Vice President acknowledged this directive, saying the nation mourns with the families as they await answers. According to VP Shettima, the ultimate sacrifice made by the deceased imposes an enduring obligation on the nation to remember both their service and the loved ones they left behind.
The Vice President extended his solidarity to officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the tragedy had taken from the Service members of a professional family bound together by duty and sacrifice. He said the loss was particularly personal to the men and women of the Nigerian Air Force, who had lost colleagues and members of their professional family.
VP Shettima prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort and strength for their families, colleagues and loved ones. He assured the bereaved families that Nigeria remembers, Nigeria mourns with them, and Nigeria will stand beside them beyond these days of mourning. The Vice President's statement was a message of condolence and support to the families of the victims.
The crash occurred on Monday, and since then, the nation has been in mourning. The Vice President's message was a reminder that the nation will not forget the sacrifices made by the deceased. He noted that a nation that asks its citizens to serve must also remember those who pay the ultimate price in that service.
The federal government will ensure that the bereaved families receive the necessary support and assistance. The Vice President's statement was a testament to the government's commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by the deceased and supporting their families in their time of grief.
Key points
- VP Shettima assures bereaved families of federal government's support
- President Tinubu declares three days of national mourning
- Investigation into crash circumstances underway
