President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, which claimed multiple lives.
In a message delivered through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian President described the incident as a devastating tragedy that underscores the fragility of life and the shared grief of humanity.
The ill-fated flight was carrying a total of 242 individuals, including two pilots, 10 cabin crew members, 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, before it crashed shortly before landing.
Expressing profound sorrow, Tinubu said, “The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together.”
He assured Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people of Nigeria’s solidarity and sympathy in this difficult time, adding that the nation is also mourning alongside the governments and people of the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada, who lost citizens in the crash.
“We stand 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 further commended the rapid response efforts by India’s emergency agencies and expressed confidence in their ability to manage the aftermath of the incident with compassion and professionalism.