ECOWAS SYMPATHIZES WITH NIGERIA OVER PILOTS DEATH

ABUJA, Nigeria, May 13, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo has sent a condolence message to Nigeria's President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan over the death of two Nigerian Air Force fighter-jet pilots who died while providing support to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA).

“The death of the gallant officers is no doubt a great loss not only to your country but also to the entire ECOWAS Community particularly as they paid the ultimate price in their effort to promote peace and stability in a beleaguered member State,” President Ouédraogo said in the message, in which he also condoled with the bereaved families and the entire people of Nigeria.

“It is our fervent prayers,” he said, “that the demise of these two young officers and many others in the past who laid their lives in the course of such noble duty, will not be in vain.”

The ECOWAS chief also used the opportunity to convey the Commission's appreciation for Nigeria's “untiring efforts” in support of the quest for enduring peace and stability of the ECOWAS region.