Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed profound grief over the tragic Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of 25 Nigerians.
The aircraft, carrying passengers and crew members, crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State. Among the victims were airmen, soldiers and members of their families, reportedly including children who were returning to school.
Atiku described the tragedy as a painful national loss, noting that its circumstances make it particularly heartbreaking.
“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.
“These were men and women serving our country, alongside loved ones whose hopes, dreams and futures have been extinguished in one tragic moment.
“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.
“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,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President also expressed the hope that the investigation into the crash would establish its cause and help strengthen aviation safety within the Armed Forces to prevent a recurrence.
