Vice-President Kashim Shettima has described the deaths of Nigerian Air Force personnel and passengers in the Ondo aircraft crash as a painful national tragedy, saying Nigeria owes the fallen service members an enduring debt of gratitude.
Shettima made the remarks in a condolence message to the families of the victims, as well as officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
The aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that there were no survivors.
‘They were more than their uniforms’
Shettima said the tragedy should not be viewed only in terms of the military ranks of those who died, stressing that the victims were also family members, friends and loved ones.
He noted that behind every uniform were husbands and wives, parents, children, brothers and sisters whose sudden absence had left families struggling to come to terms with the loss.
The Vice-President said the nation must remember not only the service rendered by the deceased but also the families who shared their loved ones with the country.
FG promises continued support
Shettima assured the bereaved families that the Federal Government would remain with them beyond the official period of national mourning.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning over the tragedy and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.
The Vice-President said the government’s responsibility should not end with the mourning period, noting that the families would continue to need support as they cope with the consequences of the tragedy.
NAF mourns its fallen colleagues
Shettima also expressed solidarity with members of the Nigerian Air Force, describing the loss as particularly painful for a professional community bound together by duty and sacrifice.
He said the courage and service of the fallen personnel would remain honoured by a grateful nation.
The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and urged the public to avoid speculation while the probe continues.
Shettima prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked for strength and comfort for their families, colleagues and other loved ones.
The tragedy has continued to draw national mourning as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
