Senate Suspends National Security Summit Over NAF Crash

The Senate has postponed its planned two-day national security summit scheduled for October 12 and 13 following the fatal Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State.

Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit, Opeyemi Bamidele, announced the postponement in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, resulting in the deaths of 25 personnel and seven crew members.

Bamidele said the Senate took the decision in solidarity with the bereaved families and in recognition of the three-day national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in honour of the victims.

President Tinubu had also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased.

The Senate had organised the summit to examine Nigeria’s persistent security challenges and develop practical measures to strengthen the protection of lives and property.

According to Bamidele, preparations for the summit had reached an advanced stage after the completion of zonal public hearings before the unfortunate crash led to its postponement.

The Senate expressed condolences to President Tinubu, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, and the families of the officers and crew members who lost their lives while serving the country.

The upper chamber described the deceased as gallant personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.

It said a new date for the national security summit would be announced in due course, while appealing to stakeholders to bear with the Senate during the period of national mourning.

The summit is expected to deliberate on the country’s security challenges and consider measures aimed at improving the safety and security of Nigerians nationwide.