UN Budget Committee Holds Silence for Nigerian Crash Victims

Delegates at the UN General Assembly's Fifth Committee stood for a minute's silence on Tuesday to honour Nigerian military officers killed in a military aircraft crash.

 

The tribute was led by Amb. Ibrahim Jimoh, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, who chairs the committee. He paused the business of the day at the opening of the committee's second meeting of the 81st session of the General Assembly to inform delegates of the tragedy.

 

"Before we start, there was a tragedy yesterday, and very sad news from one of the Member States, Nigeria," he said.

 

Jimoh told the chamber that a Nigerian military aircraft had crashed, killing officers who were serving their country.

 

"About 30 military officers in the course of national service lost their lives," he said.

 

He then asked representatives of Member States to stand in honour of the dead.

 

"On this note, I request the indulgence of Your Excellencies to observe a one-minute silent prayer for the departed souls," Jimoh said.

 

Delegates across the chamber rose and stood in silence, briefly halting the committee's administrative and budgetary work as they paid their respects.

 

When the silence ended, Jimoh prayed for the repose of the officers.

 

"May the departed souls of the Nigerian soldiers, Air Force officers who died in the plane crash, rest in perfect peace," he said.

 

He thanked delegates and formally called the meeting to order.

 

According to Jimoh, the tribute reflected the solidarity of UN Member States with Nigeria over the loss of personnel serving the country.

 

The Fifth Committee handles the administrative and budgetary affairs of the United Nations. It is currently holding its main session under Jimoh's chairmanship, with Member States considering financial, administrative and oversight matters affecting the organisation.

 

Tuesday's tribute came a day after Jimoh presided over the committee's first meeting of the session.