Sen. Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central Senatorial District, has expressed deep shock over the crash of Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 931, an ATR-42 that went down Monday in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
In a statement released Wednesday, Akobundu described the incident as “profoundly shocking,” noting it claimed the lives of young Nigerians with bright futures ahead of them.
He said he was particularly pained by the death of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, the co-pilot of the aircraft. Man-Ugwueje, an Abia native from Ukome Isieke Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA, was a constituent of Akobundu’s and had married only two weeks before the crash. Akobundu condoled with the officer’s wife, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, and his loved ones.
“These are young Nigerians with bright futures snatched away in such tragic circumstances. It is profoundly shocking,” Akobundu said.
He called on relevant agencies to intensify efforts to recover the bodies so families could bury their loved ones with dignity. He also urged a thorough recovery of the wreckage to investigate the cause of the crash and put mechanisms in place to prevent a recurrence.
“I condole with the affected families, the people of Ukome Isieke Ibeku, Abia Central Senatorial District, the Nigerian Air Force, and indeed all Nigerians. I pray God grants us all the fortitude to bear this monumental loss,” he added.
