BIBI Mourns NAF Personnel, Others Killed In Ondo Air Crash
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District, Hon. Dr. Sunday Aguebor, popularly known as BIBI, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Nigerian Air Force personnel and other Nigerians in the aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos on Monday, October 5, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, with the NAF subsequently confirming that all 25 people on board—five crew members and 20 passengers—lost their lives.
In a condolence message, BIBI extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, loved ones, the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He also commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, describing the incident as a painful national tragedy that should unite Nigerians irrespective of political differences.
According to BIBI, moments of national mourning and disaster require leaders and citizens to put aside political disagreements and stand together in grief and solidarity.
He said the tragedy should also remind Nigerians of the enormous sacrifices made daily by the nation's military personnel, who risk their lives in the defence of the country and protection of its citizens.
BIBI said the victims must be remembered not merely as casualties of an unfortunate accident, but as Nigerians who dedicated their lives and service to the nation.
“As a member of the Senate Committee on Defence, I will be joining my colleagues in the Senate in calling for a thorough investigation and for the findings to be made public,” he stated.
He called for a detailed, transparent and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, stressing that lessons from the incident must be used to strengthen aviation safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The call comes as the Nigerian Air Force has commenced an investigation into the crash, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has indicated its readiness to provide technical assistance if formally invited by the military.
BIBI urged the authorities to ensure that the families of the deceased receive the necessary support and that the sacrifices of the fallen personnel are honoured appropriately.
He prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the departed and for God to grant their families, colleagues and the entire Armed Forces the strength to bear the painful loss.
“May God continue to protect our men and women in uniform and grant our nation peace, unity and security,” BIBI said.
He also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the nation's security personnel and their families, particularly at a time when the country is confronted with complex security challenges.
