THE Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),  Zubaida Umar, has expressed sorrow over the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda in Ondo State.

Following the devastating incident, the agency has Umar ordered the deployment of NEMA’s specialised technical team to the remote crash location in Ondo State.

She extended her heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the relatives of the victims affected by the unfortunate mishap.

In a statement by the agency’s National spokesman, Ezekiel Manzo, the DG described the fatal accident as a monumental loss. She acknowledged the relentless dedication and patriotism of the military personnel involved in the crash.

Umar pointed that “This incident is deeply painful, especially when we note the invaluable sacrifices of personnel of the Nigerian Air Force in the service and defence of our great nation,” Umar stated in a press release issued by the agency’s press unit on Tuesday.

To significantly bolster the ongoing recovery efforts at the site, the DG has officially activated the agency’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, tasking him to lead a specialised NEMA technical team to the remote crash location in Ondo State.

NEMA noted that this strategic deployment is designed to reinforce the intensive search and recovery operations, complementing the relentless efforts of NEMA personnel who have been at the site working seamlessly alongside other critical emergency responders.

Furthermore, Umar commended the prompt activation of search and rescue operations by stakeholders immediately after the aircraft went down.

She used the opportunity to reaffirm NEMA’s unwavering commitment to providing the necessary inter-agency coordination and robust operational support during the national crisis.

“We pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, comfort for their grieving families, and a speedy recovery for any injured persons,” she added.