President Bola Tinubu has described Monday’s loss of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation, paying tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in the service of the country.
The President said NAF personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria, stressing that the sacrifice of those who died would never be forgotten.
“Yesterday, Nigeria lost brave men and women of our Air Force in the service of our country.
“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,” he said.
President Tinubu also expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased personnel, noting that behind every uniform was a family expecting their loved one to return home.
“Behind every uniform is a family. A spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister who expected their loved one to return home. Nigeria grieves with them,” he said.
In honour of the deceased personnel, the President declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
“We honour their service. We remember their sacrifice,” he said.
President Tinubu also directed the Nigerian Air Force to begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash after a briefing from the Chief of the Air Staff.
He said the investigation was necessary to determine the cause of the crash and help prevent future occurrences.
The President commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the fallen personnel, saying, “May the souls of our departed heroes rest in peace.”
