The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all passengers and crew on board.
In a condolence message released by his Special Adviser, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, and the families of the victims.
Akpabio stated, “I received with grief the tragic incident of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 aircraft near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, resulting in the loss of 32 lives—25 passengers and seven crew members.”
“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Service Chiefs, officers and men of our Armed Forces, and, most importantly, the families and loved ones of all those who perished in this tragic incident.”
The Senate President noted that while a nation mourns its fallen heroes, “it must never forget the courage with which they gave their lives in service to the Republic.”
He added, “This is a profoundly painful moment for our nation and, particularly, for the Nigerian Air Force. May their souls rest in peace, and may Almighty God comfort the bereaved families and our nation. Amen.”
