President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday extended condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government, and the people of the Republic of India following the crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying two pilots, 10 cabin crew, 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, crashed at about 1:00 pm on Thursday at Ahmedabad.
Modi said the incident has “stunned and saddened everyone”.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has been shut till further notice.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and offered prayers for the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this moment of grief.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu Condoles With Narendra Modi, Victims Of Air India.’
Tinubu also commiserated with the leaders of Great Britain, Portugal, and Canada over losing their nationals on the ill-fated flight.
”The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together.
”At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother and partner, Narendra Modi, and the people of India.
“Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft,” Tinubu said.
He commended the swift response of the emergency agencies in India and expressed his confidence in their capacity and compassion to make a difference in the complicated situation.
The President prayed that God would receive the souls of the departed and comfort their families.
Tinubu mourns victims of Air India plane crash
