Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed grief over the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that killed all 25 people on board.
The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the governments and people of Nigeria and Ondo State.
Atiku, in a statement shared on his verified X handle on Tuesday, described the crash as a heartbreaking tragedy, noting that airmen, soldiers and members of their families were among those who died.
“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.”
He prayed for the repose of the victims and strength for those mourning their deaths.
“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 that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash, which occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931, was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
According to the NAF, the aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers. Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the details in a statement on Tuesday.
