… Decries crash as national tragedy

… Says personnel paid ultimate price for Nigeria

… Backs calls for transparent investigation, modern equipment

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency in the 2027general election, Hon. Olugbenga Edema, has described the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Council Area of Ondo State, as a saddening national tragedy.

Edema, in a statement made available to newsmen, extended his heartfelt commiseration to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Air Staff, and the grieving families of the victims.

A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft with 32 people on board, 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed into a swampy area in Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday morning, with no survivors reported.

While expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the former lawmaker noted that the loss of military personnel in such a tragic manner is a wound that cuts across the entire fabric of the nation.

He stated that the crash represents not just a loss to the Nigerian Air Force but a monumental national tragedy that demands collective mourning and reflection.

Edema, a lawyer, urged everyone affected by the crash to take solace in the gallantry and ultimate sacrifice of the fallen officers.

The ADC House of Representatives candidate, who extended his condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force family, acknowledged the pain of losing colleagues in such a devastating manner.

Edema maintained that the Air Force has once again been reminded of the high price its personnel pay in the defense of the nation’s territorial integrity.

While stating that words cannot adequately capture the depth of their loss, he prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear an irreplaceable loss that no amount of condolences can truly heal.

He described the deceased personnel as patriots who answered the call of duty with courage and honor.

According to him, their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and the nation owes them a debt of gratitude that can only be repaid through sustained support for their families and the military institution they served.

Meanwhile, the ADC candidate joined calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash, stressing that while the military’s operational details are often sensitive, ensuring the safety of personnel through rigorous maintenance, modern equipment, and adherence to best practices must remain a top priority for the federal government.

Edema further urged the federal government to prioritize the welfare and safety of military personnel, arguing that a well-motivated and well-equipped armed force is essential for national security.

He said, “This tragic loss of lives in the crash should serve as a catalyst for renewed investment in the safety and operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Moments like this require empathy, compassion, and collective support for the armed forces rather than divisive rhetoric or political point-scoring that could demoralize the troops.”