Scene of the plane crash
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi have expressed deep sorrow over the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed 25 lives.
In separate condolence messages issued on Tuesday, the three political leaders described the victims as brave Nigerians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country and prayed for strength for their grieving families.
Akpabio, in a condolence statement, sympathised with President Bola Tinubu, the military high command, the families of the passengers and crew members, as well as the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the tragic incident.
He said the nation would always remember the courage and dedication of the fallen personnel, noting that Nigeria “mourns its fallen heroes, and never forget the courage with which they served.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the accident as heartbreaking, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of 25 lives in the crash near Igbokoda, Ondo State.
“The scale and circumstances of this tragedy are heartbreaking. Among those who lost their lives were airmen, soldiers and members of their families. Lives of service, promise and innocence were extinguished in one devastating moment,” Atiku said.
He added: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the deceased. No words can adequately comfort parents who have lost children, children who have lost parents, or families suddenly deprived of their loved ones.”
Atiku also extended his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the governments and people of Nigeria and Ondo State, praying that God would grant eternal rest to the victims and comfort to their families.
Peter Obi also joined Nigerians in mourning the victims, saying the crash was a painful reminder of the sacrifices made daily by members of the armed forces.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft,” Obi said.
He added: “I offer my sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, the families of the officers and personnel who perished, and their colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Obi further stated: “These courageous men and women devote their lives to defending our nation and safeguarding our people. Their service and sacrifice must never be overlooked.”
He prayed that God would grant eternal rest to the deceased, comfort their families and strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
