Senate mourns, pays condolences to NAF, others over Igbokoda Air crash

The Nigerian Senate has commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), families and loved ones of the victims of the Monday’s plane crash involving s NAF aircraft in Igbokoda area of Ondo state.

The ill-fated NAF aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin City in Edo State, to Lagos, when the incident occurred.

A statement signed by the chairman, Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, on Monday evening, said the incident was deeply painful moment for Nigeria, particularly for the Nigerian Air Force, the families of the victims and all those who continue to make sacrifices in the service of the country.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft today, which had 32 persons on board. This is a deeply painful moment for our nation, particularly for the Nigerian Air Force, the families of the victims and all those who continue to make sacrifices in the service of our country.

“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Air Force, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, and, most importantly, the families and loved ones of all those affected by this unfortunate incident.

“We mourn our gallant men and women who lost their lives while undertaking their duties in service to Nigeria, as well as the other persons who were on board the aircraft. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and their commitment to the defence and security of our nation remains worthy of honour and remembrance.

“The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the unfortunate accident occurred. Following the incident, Search and Rescue operations have been activated and are ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies,” Ngwu stated.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force, first responders and other relevant emergency agencies for the swift activation of Search and Rescue operations and their efforts at Igbokoda town, saying at this difficult time, every effort must be made to support the rescue operation and provide timely assistance to those affected.

“As we await further developments, I urge members of the public to remain calm and to rely exclusively on official information from the Nigerian Air Force and other competent authorities concerning the rescue operation and subsequent investigation.

“The Senate Committee on Air Force will engage with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force to obtain a full briefing on the circumstances surrounding the incident. We will continue to monitor developments closely and seek the necessary information regarding the accident.

“While we await the outcome of the rescue efforts and any subsequent investigation, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, the Nigerian Air Force and all personnel involved in the ongoing response.

“This is a huge loss to our nation. We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and the bereaved families at this difficult time.
May Almighty God grant the departed eternal rest and give their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.