BLACK MONDAY IN ONDO SOUTH: FADUYILE MOURNS VICTIMS OF ILL-FATED NAF AIRCRAFT CRASH

Senator Dayo Faduyile, OON, representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has commiserated with the families of victims of the ill-fated Nigeria Air Force aircraft that crashed in Ondo coastal area on Monday. In a condolence message made available to newsmen in Okitipupa, Faduyile described the incident as tragic, painful and heartbreaking, saying it has thrown Ondo South into mourning over the loss of lives.

The aircraft, marked NAF-931, was carrying no fewer than 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed around 11:00 a.m. in a swamp near Nigeria Navy Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Faduyile expressed sympathy to the bereaved families, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ilaje LGA Chairman Hon. Maurice Oripenaiye and Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo. He said the loss of lives was not just to the families of the victims but to Ondo South and Ondo State at large.

He said he received the news of the tragic incident and loss of lives with great shock because it signified a black Monday for Ondo South. He said his heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones, the state governor, the LGA chairman and the traditional ruler in Igbokoda. He stood in solidarity with the bereaved families and residents of Igbokoda and Ilaje at this trying time. He prayed for the families of the deceased, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

The Ondo South Senator called on relevant agencies, especially the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, to launch a thorough and adequate investigation into the incident in order to guard against recurrence. He also thanked all rescue agencies and locals who responded to the emergency, rescue operations and evacuation efforts.