The Federal Government has expressed disappointment over the reactions of some Nigerians to the missing Nigeria Airforce fighter jet.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said it’s quite unfortunate that some citizens of the country would turn the Buhari administration into the butt of ridicule over what passes for a national tragedy.
Mohammed noted that no true Nigerian will resort to mockery in addressing national issues in the present situation.
He said the sudden disappearance of the fighter jet calls for deep reflection rather than ridicule the military was being subjected to by some Nigerians.
The minister said this during a press briefing in Abuja today stressing that those gloating over the incident should stop and pray for the military.
“I have read, especially on social media, some dead-enders who are gloating at the disappearance of the NAF aircraft. This is abhorrent and condemnable, and couldn’t have come from true-born Nigerians.
“No patriotic citizen will denigrate his or her country’s military for fighting to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace and security. None,’’ he said.
The minister called on all Nigerians to support the troops and to continue to remember them in their prayers. He said that the incident of the missing fighter jet was a confirmation of the sacrifices the military was making for the country.
“While we await word from the Air Force on the ongoing search and rescue efforts, this development has once again accentuated the huge sacrifices being made by our men and women in uniform to keep our country safe and to make sure we sleep well at night
“Every day, these valiant men and women put their lives on the line, in the ultimate act of sacrifice and patriotism, for the sake of our nation.
“When they leave their homes, there is no guarantee they will return. “Yet, they soldier on! This is one of the reasons why we launched a national campaign to seek support for our military and other security agencies in February 2019,’’ he said.
Mohammed, on behalf of the Government, condoled with the NAF on the disappearance of the fighter jet involved in the war against insurgency.
NAF had reported the fighter jet lost contact in Borno state while on a mission to support ground troops.
The Boko Haram terrorists had released a video purporting they shot down the jet.
The Airforce had, however, refuted the claim by the terrorists contending that the video was doctored.
Air Force Spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet had said in a statement that the Alpha-Jet lost contact with radar in Borno “while on interdiction mission in support of ground troops.”
He said that the plane which had two crew members might have crashed, adding that search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
“At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued,” it said in a statement.
