By Lengnan Tobias
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a military aircraft with tail number NAF 931 involving personnel of the Armed Forces.
Musa, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the incident claimed the lives of officers and airmen who were on routine flight mission while serving the nation.
“This painful incident claimed the lives of brave officers and airmen who were engaged in routine flight mission while serving our nation with courage, unyielding devotion, and selfless patriotism.
“The loss of these valiant patriots is an irreparable blow not only to the military high command and their comrades-in-arms, but to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Musa said the officers and men exemplified the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the defence of the fatherland.
He extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces and families of the fallen heroes.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces, and most especially, the immediate families, loved ones, and colleagues of our fallen heroes.
“We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour,” he said.
The minister also condoled with families of civilians on board the ill-fated aircraft.
He said a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash had been ordered to ascertain the cause and ensure reinforcement of operational safety protocols across military aviation units.
“We pray that the Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal repose, and give their families, the military community, and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Musa said.(NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Oluwole Sogunle
Comments