Shettima Assures Bereaved Families of Federal Government Support

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured families of the people killed in Monday’s Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that the Federal Government’s responsibility to them will extend beyond expressions of condolence.

Shettima gave the assurance in a condolence statement issued on Tuesday following the crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Vice President said the nation owed an enduring debt of gratitude to those who lost their lives in the service of the country and would continue to stand by their families beyond the period of mourning.

He said the victims were not defined only by the uniforms they wore or the ranks they held, but were also husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters whose families were now dealing with sudden loss.

Shettima said a nation that asked its citizens to serve must also remember those who paid the ultimate price in that service.

He acknowledged the pain being experienced by the bereaved families, saying grief could not be addressed through instructions or words alone.

“We can only assure them that Nigeria remembers, Nigeria mourns with them, and Nigeria will stand beside them beyond these days of mourning,” he said.

The Vice President also expressed solidarity with officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, describing the incident as a painful loss to a professional community bound by duty and sacrifice.

He said the sacrifice of the deceased imposed an enduring obligation on the country to honour both their service and the families they left behind.

Shettima prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort and strength for their families, colleagues and loved ones.

President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast nationwide in honour of the victims.

He also ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and commended the Nigerian Air Force, Ondo State Government and first responders for activating search-and-rescue efforts.

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed near Igbokoda on Monday.

The Nigerian Air Force has since released the names of those aboard, while authorities continue investigations into the cause of the accident.