Air Force jet: Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, minister commiserate with victims’ families

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with family members of victims of the crashed Air Force jet in Abuja.
A statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday, reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the fatal crash of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft on Sunday in Abuja that claimed the lives of seven personnel.
On behalf of the Federal Government, President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and colleagues of those who died as a result of this tragedy.
The President joins the Nigerian Air Force, the military and other Nigerians in mourning the unfortunate loss of the dedicated and courageous personnel, who died in the line of duty.
President Buhari notes that while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the safety of the Nigerian airspace remains a key priority of the government.
He prays that God will comfort the bereaved families and nation, and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest. Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also commiserated with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the crash.
The Governor also commiserated with families, friends and associates of the victims of the unfortunate crash. 
 
Sanwo-Olu expressed his condolence in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile on Sunday. 
 
He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the families they left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.
Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has expressed deep sorrow over the crash.
 
Farouq, in a statement by her Media Aide, Nneka Anibeze, on Sunday in Abuja, said that she was saddened by the unfortunate incident.
The plane was said to have developed an engine problem six minutes after take-off and crashed nine minutes after the problem was reported.
 
Seven passengers were reportedly onboard the ill-fated aircraft, including two crew members.
 
The plane was en-route Minna when it crashed close to the runway of Abuja runway.
 
The statement reads: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic occurrence.
 
“I sympathise with the Nigerian Air Force and the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
 
“The Nigerian Air Force has been of immense help to our humanitarian activities since the creation of the ministry.
 
“They have helped to airlift humanitarian relief materials for persons of concern, especially during the lockdown period, to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in 2020 and to victims of flood, banditry, communal clashes and other disasters.
 
“We appreciate the services of the air crew, especially the pilots, who have put in hundreds of hours of flying us to and from areas affected by disasters and other humanitarian issues.”
 
The minister prayed God to console the families they left behind by the victims and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of their dear ones.