Vice President Says Nigeria Will Remember Fallen Personnel Beyond Three Days of National Mourning
Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid tribute to the Nigerian Air Force personnel and passengers who died in Monday’s aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, describing the incident as a painful national loss.
In a statement on Tuesday, Shettima assured the bereaved families that the Federal Government’s support would extend beyond words of condolence, saying the nation must remember those who pay the ultimate price in service.
He said the deceased were not only military personnel but also husbands, wives, parents, children, siblings and loved ones whose families were left grieving.
Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of three days of national mourning and directive for flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.
He also noted the President’s order for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, saying the nation would await answers from the process.
“We cannot ask the bereaved to be strong today. Grief does not obey instructions,” Shettima said, assuring the families that “Nigeria remembers, Nigeria mourns with them, and Nigeria will stand beside them beyond these days of mourning.”
The Vice President also expressed solidarity with officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, describing the loss of their colleagues as a particularly personal tragedy for the Service.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort and strength for their families, colleagues and loved ones.