Senate mourns, offers condolences to NAF and others over Ondo Air crash

The Nigerian Senate has expressed its condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), families and loved ones of the victims of Monday’s air crash involving a 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 accident occurred.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“While awaiting further developments, I urge the public to remain calm and rely solely on official information from the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant authorities regarding the rescue operation and subsequent investigations.

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

“As we await the outcome of the rescue operations and any subsequent investigations, 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 in this difficult time.
May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.