“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” – Mark Twain
By Mike Cerutti O
As I sit down to perform my work of the day, I was restless, I could not work. Before I do anything, I must send a sympathy message to the Nigerian Government, the Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the people that were killed at the Air Force crash.
On Monday, October 5th, the nation was thrown into mourning when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, crashed at Igbokoda community in Ondo State near a Naval Base.
While the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, initially reported 32 persons on board (25 passengers and 7 crew), the Nigerian Air Force has now officially confirmed that 25 persons were on board, comprising 5 crew members and 20 passengers. Search and rescue teams were immediately activated, but no survivors were found. The Air Force today released the full list of the 25 victims.
This is one of the deadliest air disasters in recent years. I must highly commend the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring three days of national mourning and directing that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the fallen heroes. This gesture shows respect for our gallant officers and solidarity with their families. This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation.
What we can say is that those that died, may their soul rest in peace. There is need for sober reflection, big need for sober reflection. I call on the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to ensure a thorough investigation to establish the cause and prevent future occurrence. I also commend the Defence Headquarters, the NAF, and emergency agencies for their search and rescue efforts.
It is a dark moment for us. May the souls of all 25 departed heroes rest in perfect peace, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
#MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY TO THE BEREAVED FAMILIES
To the families, wives, children, parents and loved ones of all the gallant officers and civilians who lost their lives in the NAF 931 crash, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. No words can truly comfort you at this moment of unbearable grief.
Your loved ones died in active service to our dear nation, they are heroes whose courage, patriotism and sacrifice will never be forgotten by Nigeria. Please take solace in the fact that the whole nation mourns with you and stands with you in this dark hour.
I pray that Almighty God will grant you the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable and painful loss, and that He will grant the souls of the departed eternal rest in perfect peace. May their memories be a blessing and may their sacrifice continue to inspire us to build a safer and stronger Nigeria. Amen.
