Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has expressed grief over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, offering condolences to the Air Force and the families of those who died.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Obi said he was deeply saddened by the news of the accident.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian Air Force. I was deeply saddened to learn of the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft,” he said.
He extended his sympathies to the service, the families of the officers and personnel who perished, and their colleagues and loved ones.
“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,” he said.
Obi also paid tribute to the nation’s servicemen and women. “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 said.
He then prayed for the dead and the bereaved. “I pray that God grants eternal rest to those who have departed, consolation to their families, and strength to the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
He concluded: “May God continue to watch over all who serve our country and protect them as they carry out their duties.”
The aircraft, an ATR 42 operated by the Nigerian Air Force, crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, while travelling from Benin in Edo State to Lagos.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said air traffic controllers told him the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at 9:13am local time, and attempts to reach it by radio failed.
The Air Force confirmed the accident in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, describing the flight as a routine mission. Search and rescue operations were activated after the crash.
The government confirmed that 32 people were on board. Reports say all 32 died, and President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the deaths and extended condolences to their families and the Air Force.
President Tinubu said he prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers. He also directed the Air Force to launch a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash, which has not yet been established.
The Nigerian Air Force uses its ATR 42 aircraft for maritime patrol and for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance duties.
