A National Working Committee member of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to order an investigation into Monday’s Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Bankole said the probe would help establish what led to the accident and provide measures to prevent another tragedy of the same nature.
The APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities and Secretary of the party’s National Campaign Council Subcommittee for Osun made the remarks in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed around Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Reacting to the President’s directive, Bankole said, “Mr. President’s directive that the Nigerian Air Force should immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences is apt, timely and demonstrates responsive leadership.
“I commend Mr. President for his prompt and compassionate response, for declaring a three-day national mourning and directing that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of our fallen heroes.”
Tinubu had ordered the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announcing the directive in a statement on Monday.
Bankole described the deaths as a “heartbreaking loss” for the country’s military, saying the affected personnel died while carrying out their duties.
He said, “This is a heartbreaking loss to the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces and our nation at large. These officers were patriots who daily put their lives on the line to secure the territorial integrity of our country. Their sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation will never be forgotten.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, and most importantly, to the families of our fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price in the course of national duty.”
He also praised the emergency responders and the Ondo State Government for their efforts at the crash location.
Bankole urged Nigerians to remain supportive of the Armed Forces as the country mourns the deceased.
He said, “May Almighty God grant the souls of our gallant officers eternal rest and grant their families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire nation the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.
“We stand in solidarity with the Armed Forces at this difficult time.”