President Bola Tinubu has mourned Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in an aircraft crash, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the entire country.
Tinubu, in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday, said the deceased personnel made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Nigeria, noting that members of the Air Force routinely risk their lives to protect the nation and its citizens.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the President said.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, stressing that the impact of the tragedy went beyond the military because each fallen officer or personnel was also a spouse, parent, child, sibling or other loved one.
“Behind every uniform is a family. A spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister who expected their loved one home. Nigeria grieves with them,” Tinubu said.
In honour of the fallen personnel, the President declared three days of national mourning and directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period.
Tinubu said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to the President, the investigation is expected to establish the cause of the accident and identify measures that could help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the crash, describing the response as part of the military’s responsibility to its personnel and the nation.
The President reaffirmed the nation’s appreciation for the service of the deceased personnel, saying their contributions to national security would be remembered.
“We honour their service. We remember their sacrifice. May the souls of our departed heroes rest in peace,” Tinubu said.
