CAN mourns victims of NAF aircraft crash in Ondo

By Anam Geolengs

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has mourned victims of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crash near Igbokoda in Ondo State.

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Okoh said he received with sadness news of the crash involving the NAF aircraft.

“On behalf of the Christian community in Nigeria, I extend heartfelt condolences to families of deceased personnel, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the people and Government of Ondo State.

“We also pray for God’s comfort for everyone affected by this painful incident,” he said.

He said men and women of the Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices in service of the nation, noting that their families also bear 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,” he added.

Okoh welcomed decision to investigate circumstances surrounding the crash and urged that investigation be thorough, professional and transparent, and that its findings and safety recommendations receive necessary attention.

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

“We call on Nigerians to remember affected families and the Nigerian Air Force in their prayers. May God grant eternal rest to departed, comfort to bereaved, and wisdom to all those entrusted with responsibility of protecting lives,” he said.