The House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, on Sunday, sent a condolence message to the Nigerian Air Force and families of the victims of the ill-fated military aircraft that crashed in Abuja.
NAF in a statement released earlier confirmed that seven people were killed in the incident involving a NAF Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft.
Chairman of the committee, Shehu Koko, said, “We highly regret the loss of our gallant officers who apparently were on a mission to rescue the kidnapped students in the Kagara community in Niger State.”
Koko in a statement released and titled ‘House Committee on Air Force commiserates with Nigerian Air force, the family of victims’, said he witnessed the incident along with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao.
The chairman of the committee further stated that an investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.
He said, “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure en-route, Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.”
“While mourning with families of the deceased, we urge Nigerians to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation.”
The lawmaker noted that the committee under the leadership of the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, is “deeply saddened by this development and will work with the Chief of Air Staff to unravel the remote cause.”
Koko said the committee also commiserates with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). He also prays to God to comfort the bereaved families and grant the departed souls eternal rest.