Ondo Crash: Shettima Assures Fallen NAF Personnel Families Of Federal Government Support

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the families of Nigerian Air Force personnel killed in the Ondo aircraft crash that the Federal Government will remain with them beyond the three days of national mourning declared over the tragedy.

Shettima said the sacrifices of the fallen officers and other victims would remain etched in the nation’s memory, describing their deaths as a painful loss to Nigeria and the Nigerian Air Force.

The Vice President spoke in a condolence message on Tuesday following Monday’s crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

He commiserated with the families of the deceased and the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, saying the victims were more than their military ranks and uniforms.

“Thirty-two of our compatriots left on a routine mission in the service of their country. They were colleagues, friends and comrades. But beyond the uniforms they wore and the ranks they held, they were husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,” Shettima said.

He said the sudden deaths had created painful vacancies in families across the country, noting that loved ones who expected the victims to return home were instead confronted with an unimaginable loss.

Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of three days of national mourning and directive that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.

He also said the President’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash would help provide answers to the families and the nation.

The Vice President stressed that Nigeria’s obligation to the bereaved families must go beyond expressions of sympathy.

“A nation that asks its citizens to serve must also remember those who pay the ultimate price in that service,” he said.

Shettima further urged the Nigerian Air Force to remain united in the face of the tragedy, assuring its personnel that the country recognises the courage and sacrifices made by its officers, airmen and airwomen.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.