The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed sadness over the news of the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda, Ondo State and commend government’s decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh who condoled with the families of personnel killed in the ill-fated aircraft, emphasized the need for the government to ensure that the investigation is thorough, professional and transparent, and that its findings and safety recommendations receive the necessary attention.

Okoh described the incident as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women of the Armed Forces and the burden borne by their families and called for stronger aviation safety measures, including improved aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response systems.

The CAN President urged Nigerians to keep the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force in their prayers.

He said, “Every life lost is precious. We must therefore continue to strengthen aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response systems, particularly in the interest of personnel who undertake difficult assignments on behalf of the nation.

“CAN extended its condolences to the families of the deceased personnel, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the people and government of Ondo State, while praying for comfort for all those affected by the crash.The men and women of our Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices in the service of our nation. Their families also bear the weight of those sacrifices. At this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are particularly with the bereaved families and their colleagues in the Nigerian Air Force.

“CAN welcomes the decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. We urge that the investigation be thorough, professional and transparent, and that its findings and safety recommendations receive the necessary attention,” he added.