President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday said he was shocked by bandits’ attack on Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet in Zamfara, but relieved that the pilot survived.

Air Force spokesman, Edward Gabkwet, had in a statement on Monday, said Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft was on July 18 downed by bandits. But Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, “luckily” escaped from the bombed aircraft.

“Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft. Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset,” Mr Gabkwet said.

Reacting to this development in a statement by his spokesperson Garba Shehu on Tuesday, Mr Buhari said the news was devastating but he was relieved by the escape of the pilot.

“I was shocked by the devastating news of the air crash but felt much relieved, following the successful ejection by the pilot and his eventual rescue,” Mr Buhari said.

Praying for quick recovery of Mr Dairo, Mr Buhari said “May the injured pilot recover at the earliest time.”

The bombing of NAF Alpha Jet by bandits comes while over 134 students abducted in Tegina, Niger State are still in bondage.