President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the nation following the tragic loss of 32 Nigerian Air Force personnel in a plane crash near a naval base in Ondo State. In a post on X, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for both the armed forces and the nation. He declared that the country honours the services and remembers the sacrifices of the slain air personnel. The President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of those who lost their lives.
The plane crash, which occurred on Monday, claimed the lives of all 32 persons on board, including officers and airmen. Tinubu stated that the sacrifice of the deceased personnel will never be forgotten, adding that their bravery and dedication to securing Nigeria will be remembered. The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident. A thorough investigation into the cause of the crash has been directed to prevent future occurrences.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also paid tribute to the officers and those who lost their lives in the Air Force aircraft crash. He assured the bereaved families that the federal government's responsibility to them would not end with words of condolence. Shettima described the tragedy as a painful national loss, adding that the supreme sacrifice made by the deceased in the service of the nation would never be forgotten.
The incident has elicited widespread reactions from across the country, with many Nigerians mourning the loss of the brave air personnel. The Senate has suspended its national security summit to honour the deceased. The summit, which was scheduled to discuss critical national security issues, will now resume after a brief adjournment. The Senate's decision is a testament to the nation's respect for the fallen heroes.
The Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), the Conference of Speakers, and various other groups have also sent condolence messages to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force. The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, were among those who paid tribute to the fallen heroes. The outpouring of condolences is a reflection of the nation's appreciation for the sacrifices made by the deceased.
The Nigerian Air Force has announced that it will provide support to the families of the deceased personnel. The Chief of Air Staff has briefed President Tinubu on the incident and has assured that the Air Force will do everything possible to support the bereaved families. The NAF has also promised to provide counselling services to the families and colleagues of the deceased.
President Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the deceased personnel. The flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the country during the mourning period. The President's decision is a demonstration of the nation's respect for the fallen heroes and a tribute to their sacrifices. The nation will continue to honour the memories of the brave air personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Key points
- President Tinubu declares three days of national mourning for the 32 NAF personnel killed in the plane crash.
- Vice President Shettima assures bereaved families of federal government's support.
- The nation remembers the sacrifices of the slain air personnel, with widespread condolences pouring in from across the country.
