By George Omagbemi
Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has visited the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) facility in Abuja to sign the condolence register opened following the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Obi made the visit on Tuesday as tributes continued to be paid to the 25 people who died in the crash involving NAF ATR-42 aircraft NAF 931 in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed on October 5. The NAF said five crew members and 20 passengers were on board and that no survivor had been found.
During his visit, Obi paid tribute to the deceased personnel and expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
He described the victims as Nigerians who put their lives at risk in the service of the country and said their sacrifices should not be taken for granted. He also prayed for the repose of the deceased and for strength for their families.
The NAF opened a condolence register at its Conference Centre in Kado, Abuja, on October 6 to allow government officials, security chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps and other well-wishers to pay their respects.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, recovery efforts at the crash site in Igbokoda are continuing, with the Nigerian Navy deploying sonar equipment to assist efforts to locate and retrieve the submerged aircraft.
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