RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria owes an enduring debt of gratitude to Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Shettima, in a condolence message to the families of the deceased and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful national tragedy and assured the bereaved families that the Federal Government would continue to stand by them beyond the period of national mourning.
According to the Vice President, 32 Nigerians were on what he described as a routine mission in service to the country when the tragedy occurred.
“32 of our compatriots left on a routine mission in the service of their country. They were colleagues, friends and comrades,” Shettima said.
He stressed that beyond their military identities, those who died were family members whose absence would be deeply felt by their loved ones.
“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,” he added.
Shettima said the tragedy had left families confronting the sudden loss of loved ones who had been expected to return home, noting that the human cost of the incident must remain at the centre of the nation’s response.
He also referred to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of three days of national mourning and the directive that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased.
The Vice President said the sacrifice of the fallen personnel placed a lasting responsibility on the country to remember their service and support the families they left behind.
“We cannot ask the bereaved to be strong today. Grief does not obey instructions,” he said.
“We can only assure them that Nigeria remembers, Nigeria mourns with them, and Nigeria will stand beside them beyond these days of mourning.”
Shettima also expressed solidarity with officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, acknowledging the impact of losing colleagues with whom they shared professional duties and service to the country.
“Your fallen colleagues have paid the supreme price. A grateful nation honours their courage, their service and the families who shared them with Nigeria,” he said.
The Vice President prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and comfort for their families, colleagues and loved ones.
