Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sympathy with the families of the 25 people who died in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Atiku described the incident as tragic, offering his condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Atiku said the tragedy would be particularly devastating for families who had suddenly lost their loved ones.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed 25 lives.
“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.
“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, as well as the governments and people of Nigeria and Ondo State.
He prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and strength for their families as they cope with the loss.
He added, “May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed, comfort their grieving families and give the Nigerian Air Force and our nation the strength to bear this painful loss,” Atiku said.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the deaths of all 25 people aboard an NAF ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, five crew members and 20 passengers were on board the aircraft.
