Gov. Diri Expresses Grief Over Fatal Air Crash, Condoles Tinubu, NAF, Families

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic air crash that claimed the lives of 32 military personnel, extending his heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the bereaved families.

Hotnews reports that the fatal incident, which occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, has thrown the nation into mourning, particularly the military community and families of the personnel who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Governor Diri, in a condolence message, described the deceased military personnel as gallant Nigerians who paid the ultimate price in the service of their fatherland.

The Governor said the incident was a painful loss to the nation, noting that the death of the personnel had created a moment of shared grief for Nigerians and the Armed Forces.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Bayelsa State, I extend our deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, over Monday’s tragic air crash,” he said.

According to the Governor, the loss of 32 military personnel in the crash was particularly devastating given their commitment to the defence and security of the country.

“This sad incident, which resulted in the death of 32 gallant personnel of our military, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, leaves our nation in a moment of shared grief and pain,” Diri stated.

He stressed that the tragedy was not only a loss to the Nigerian Air Force but to the entire country, as the fallen personnel represented a critical component of Nigeria’s defence architecture and had dedicated their lives to protecting the nation.

Governor Diri also commiserated with the families, colleagues and associates of the deceased, acknowledging the enormous pain and sense of loss occasioned by the tragedy.

He urged the bereaved families to find strength in the service and sacrifice of their loved ones, while assuring them of the solidarity and prayers of the government and people of Bayelsa State.

“We stand in solidarity with our military, the families of the victims, and the entire nation as we pray that the Almighty God strengthen and comfort all the bereaved,” the governor added.

The Governor’s condolence comes as Nigerians mourn the loss of the military personnel and reflect on the sacrifices routinely made by members of the Armed Forces in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Governor Diri further called for prayers for the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces of Nigeria at this difficult time, stressing the need for the nation to stand together in solidarity with the families and colleagues of the fallen personnel.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and for divine strength, comfort and fortitude for their families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire military community.

The Bayelsa Governor said the tragedy should remind Nigerians of the courage, dedication and sacrifices of the nation’s military personnel, particularly those who pay the supreme price in the course of serving and defending the country.

~ Hot News Reporters
Thursday 8, October, 2026