Former Anambra State Governor and NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) facility in Abuja to sign the condolence register opened for victims of the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Obi made the visit on Tuesday as condolences continued to pour in following the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed on Monday, October 5.
The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that 25 people were on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivor has been found.
Obi’s visit to the NAF facility was to formally pay his respects and identify with the military authorities and families affected by the tragedy.
The former governor said the visit also gave him another opportunity to reflect on the risks faced by members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies while carrying out their duties.
He said those serving in the security services continue to place their lives at risk in the course of defending the country and protecting citizens.
“We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted,” Obi said.
He described the victims as courageous Nigerians who had committed themselves to the service of the country.
According to him, the loss should remind Nigerians of the personal sacrifices made by military personnel and other security officers who operate in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
Obi also extended his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force over the incident.
He commiserated with the families of the deceased, as well as their colleagues, friends and other loved ones who have been affected by the tragedy.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” he said.
He prayed for the repose of the victims and asked God to give their families the strength to cope with the loss.
“May God grant eternal rest to the departed and give their families the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss,” he said.
Obi further prayed for the safety of military personnel and other security officers still serving across the country.
“May God continue to protect all those who serve our country,” he added.
The crash occurred near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
Following the incident, search and rescue operations were activated by the Nigerian Air Force in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The incident triggered fresh mourning within the Armed Forces, with military authorities expressing condolences to the families of those who died.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
The NAF subsequently released the names of the 25 people who were on board the aircraft.
The aircraft was reportedly carrying personnel and passengers as part of its routine operational movement between Benin and Lagos.
Details surrounding the circumstances that led to the crash remain subject to investigation.
The development has also attracted a national response.
President Bola Tinubu declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of the Air Force personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country.
He also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In his response to the incident, Tinubu said the sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces would not be forgotten, while commending the immediate search and rescue efforts activated after the crash.
The Ondo State Government also directed relevant agencies to provide logistical and emergency support to the rescue operation at the crash site.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said personnel from the Nigerian Navy and local residents were among those who attempted to reach the crash area after the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force has continued its engagement with relevant authorities as investigations into the crash proceed.
