Nigeria mourns. We have just lost over a dozen top military brass in an Air Force plane crash, prompting a three-day national mourning order by President Obasanjo - who had to cancel his overseas tour (including an IMF/World Bank speech, and perhaps the UN General Assembly) - to personally take charge of things. He flew straight into Abuja to personally receive survivors and casualties of the vicious crash. His demeanour was palpably draining. As a retired general
of note, he knows more than most the full import of this huge loss. He was clearly in pains.

In rallying the nation, the president showed leadership and humanity at its best, and Nigerians everywhere joined their commander -in-chief to deeply mourn. We lost two GOCs and the Army Secretary, and could have actually lost the Army Chief, who was to join the flight!

We're told 13 of the 16 brave souls on board died. Expectedly, a probe has been ordered.

Rest in peace, dear compatriots, and may God console and comfort your families and friends. May your comrades never let you or the nation down. Goodnight.

May God bless Nigeria.