The UN General Assembly’s Fifth Committee on Tuesday observed a minute of silence in honour of about 25 Nigerian military officers killed in a military aircraft crash.

Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN and chairman of the committee, Jimoh Ibrahim, led the tribute at the opening of the Committee’s second meeting of the 81st General Assembly session.

Mr Jimoh interrupted the normal proceedings to inform delegates of the tragedy and invite them to honour the deceased officers.

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

The Nigerian ambassador told delegates that a Nigerian military aircraft had crashed, claiming the lives of officers serving their country.

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

The Nigerian envoy consequently requested delegates and representatives of member states to observe one minute of silence.

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

The moment briefly halted the committee’s administrative and budgetary proceedings as representatives paid their respects.

(NAN)