Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the 25 people killed in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash near Igbokoda in Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed in the Igbokoda area, killing airmen, soldiers and members of their families, including children reportedly returning to school.
In a condolence message, Atiku described the incident as a painful national tragedy, saying the loss was made even more devastating by the presence of family members among the victims.
“The loss of our servicemen and women is deeply painful. But the knowledge that their family members, including young children returning to school, were also among those whose lives were cut short makes this tragedy even more devastating,” he said.
Atiku said the victims were people serving the country alongside their loved ones, whose “hopes, dreams and futures” were cut short by the crash.
“My thoughts and prayers are with every family that has lost a loved one. I extend my deepest condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the government and people of Ondo State, and indeed the entire nation,” he added.
He prayed for the repose of the victims and strength for their grieving families.
Atiku also called for a thorough investigation into the crash, expressing hope that authorities would establish its cause and take steps to strengthen aviation safety within the Armed Forces and prevent a recurrence.
“I pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to the departed, comforts their grieving families and gives our nation the strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.
