Buhari, Lawan, Sanwo-Olu, APC condole with NAF, families of military plane crash     

President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu have sent condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the families of the victims of the military aircraft that crashed in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

In a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), President Buhari expressed deep sadness by the fatal crash of the 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.

Senator Lawan, in his statement by Ola Awoniyi, Special Adviser (Media) to President of the Senate expressed shock and sadness over the tragic news of the crash, sent his condolences to the families of those killed in the accident and prayed for comfort for them in this time of grief.

He also commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force and charged the authorities to reinforce their safety measures against future occurrence.

Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and families, friends and associates of the victims of the unfortunate crash.

He expressed his condolence in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile on Sunday and prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the families they left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) said, in a statement by Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, the National Secretary of APC’s Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), on Sunday in Abuja, that it is deeply saddened by the fatal crash.

APC said the unfortunate and fatal crash brought to fore the tireless work, sacrifices and hazards faced by armed forces and other security services in their daily efforts to keep the country safe.

“As directed by the Chief of Air Staff, we are confident of a quick and thorough investigation into the plane crash,” the party said.

It condoled with the Nigerian Air Force, particularly the families, loved ones and colleagues of the seven Air Force personnel that lost their lives in the crash following a reported engine failure.

The party prayed for the peaceful rest of the souls of those who died in the crash.

Meanwhile, a statement by the NAF said that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserated with the families of the deceased.