Vice-President Kashim Shettima has paid tribute to the officers and those who lost their lives in Monday’s Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State. He said their supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation will never be forgotten. Shettima conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, describing the tragedy as a painful national loss.
The aircraft crash claimed the lives of 32 individuals who were on a routine mission. Shettima noted that beyond their uniforms and ranks, the deceased were husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters. He said their human faces represent the supreme sacrifice made in the service of the nation. The vice-president emphasized that the nation owes an enduring debt of gratitude to the fallen heroes.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased. Shettima also acknowledged the president’s directive for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The nation mourns with the families as they await answers. The vice-president reaffirmed the president’s message, showing solidarity with the bereaved families.
Shettima assured the bereaved families that the Federal Government’s responsibility to them would not end with words of condolence. He noted that a nation that asks its citizens to serve must also remember those who pay the ultimate price in that service. The vice-president emphasized that Nigeria remembers, mourns with, and will stand beside the families beyond these days of mourning.
The vice-president extended his solidarity to officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force. He noted that the tragedy had taken from the service members of a professional family bound together by duty and sacrifice. Shettima honoured the courage, service, and families of the fallen colleagues.
Shettima prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort and strength for their families, colleagues, and loved ones. The vice-president’s statement showed empathy and recognition of the nation’s loss. His words reflected the nation’s grief and solidarity with the affected families.
The nation continues to mourn the loss of the 32 individuals who lost their lives in the aircraft crash. Key stakeholders, including the president and vice-president, have shown solidarity with the families. The incident has brought attention to the sacrifices made by those in service and the importance of honouring their memories.
Key points
- The Federal Government will stand beside the bereaved families beyond the days of mourning.
- President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
- The nation owes an enduring debt of gratitude to the fallen heroes.
