by Adeola Balogun

Condolence messages and a myriad of reactions have trailed yesterday’s plane crash which occurred near the  domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.

[READ: Associated Airlines plane carrying late Agagu’s body crashes in Lagos]

Elder statesmen, governors and other politicians have expressed their shock and sadness at the event. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the representatives of the new PDP faction tagged “New PDP” were among those who released statements regarding the mishap.

Atiku released the following statement via his media office:

“As we await the full details of who and what we as a country had lost, my thoughts are with the Agagu family and all the other families involved in this tragedy. I pray for strength for all those involved, and speedy recovery for survivors.”

The ‘new PDP’, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said:

“The PDP has learnt with shock of the plane crash that took place in Lagos this morning (yesterday) in which several lives were lost.

“As confirmed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, the Associated Airlines’’ aircraft had engine failure ‘’on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames.”

“We are shattered by the news of this unspeakable tragedy, especially as the flight also had some prominent personalities on board. 

“Our hearts go out to the Agagu family, to the families of victims of the crash, as well as to the people and Government of Ondo State, and especially to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and, indeed, all Nigerians. We also sympathize with the management of Associated Airlines on this great tragedy.”