Donnier 228: Buhari Commiserates with Families of Victims

President Muhammad Buhari has commiserates with the families of the ill-fated Donnier-228 which crashed in Kaduna on Saturday. The President who spoke through the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila who was also the head of Federal Government delegation, visited the site of the crash and the families of the victims. The President who described the incident as colossal loss not only to the family but to the Nigerian nation as a whole, extend his condolences on behalf of the Federal Government and the good people of Nigeria over the unfortunate loss of the officers and men whom he described as gentlemen and intelligent personnel whose loss could not be quantified especially now that their services are much needed. The President prayed for the repose of their souls and also prayed Almighty God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Similarly, the chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin who was also in the Presidential entourage, consoled the families on behalf of the Armed Forces and described the late officers as fine, loyal and patriotic gentlemen who died gallantly while serving their fatherland. To this he said, “Though you are gone, but your memories will be with us for a very long time to come”, he added.

It will be recalled that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Dornier-228 aircraft, with call sign NAF030 crashed into a house at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna shortly after take-off.

The highlight of the condolence visit was the observance of a 1 minute silence in honour of the departed colleagues and visits to the individual families of the victims. Among the entourage were the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Adeniyi Oyebade, Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna, AVM Alkali Mamu, Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj Gen MT Ibrahim, Chief of Defence Communications, Defence Headquarters and other senior officers on the entourage of the head of Federal Government delegation.

Meanwhile an investigation panel headed by an Air Vice Marshal to unravel the cause of the accident has been constituted and has commenced sitting.
COLONEL RABE ABUBAKAR
Acting Director Defence Information