Abubakar Baraje led-PDP stated it has learnt with shock of the plane crash that took place in Lagos Thursday morning (yesterday), in which several lives were lost.
The breakaway PDP expressed shock over the incidence in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, noted that the air mishap was confirmed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
"We are shattered by the news of this unspeakable tragedy, especially as the flight also had some prominent personalities on board," the statement stated.
"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," the statement emphatized.
The splinter PDP also urged Nigerians to remember the victims and their families in their prayers and to intensify prayers for the nation in these difficult times.
Thursday morning, the Associated Airlines chartered flight heading for Akure, the Ondo State capital, took off at roughly 9:30 am (0830GMT) from the domestic terminal at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, but the engine failed on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames.
The plane was stated to be carrying the body of Dr. Olusegun Agagu, a former governor of Ondo State and an erstwhile chieftain of our great party, who died on September 13 and is scheduled to be buried this weekend.