Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed deep shock and condolences over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos with military personnel and some family members on board.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Oluyede, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, commiserated with the families and loved ones of all persons involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, NAF and the entire Armed Forces family.
“This is indeed a painful loss to the entire Armed Forces and the nation at large.
“Our personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe. Their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he said.
The CDS said, in compliance with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, investigation would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident.
He added that search and rescue efforts by NAF, in collaboration with sister services and emergency agencies, were ongoing at the site.
Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained resolute and committed to its constitutional mandate of securing the nation in spite of the setback.
He said the sacrifice of the fallen heroes would continue to inspire the Armed Forces in its service to the nation.
The defence chief appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the affected families while official procedures continued.
He prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest and their families the strength to bear the loss.
36 state governors mourn NAF air crash victims
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed grief over the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all 32 persons on board.
The forum Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, expressed the sadness in a statement issued by the NGF Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Mr Yunusa Tanko, on Tuesday in Abuja.
“On behalf of the 36 state governors and the citizens of Nigeria, the NGF extends its deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen officers and personnel.
“The Forum also conveys its heartfelt sympathies to the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria during this period of national mourning,” he said.
AbdulRazaq commended the ultimate sacrifice of the military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, noting that their bravery and dedication to national security will always be remembered.
He prayed for comfort and fortitude for the bereaved families and the nation as they navigate the painful loss.
President Bola Tinubu declared a three-day national mourning for the personnel who died in the crash.
Tinubu also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
The Nigerian Air Force released the names of five crew members and 20 passengers who lost their lives in the 931 aircraft accident.
In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, the NAF disclosed that the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
According to the Air Force, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
It added that search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.
No survivors have been found, according to the statement.