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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed grief over the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all 25 people on board.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931, was travelling on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed near Igbokoda on Monday.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 20 passengers and five crew members, with no survivors.
In a condolence message, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the tragedy as a deeply painful moment for the country.
Speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors, AbdulRazaq extended condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces.
He paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces for the sacrifices they make while serving the country, saying the loss extends beyond the victims’ immediate families and colleagues to the nation as a whole.
The governors also acknowledged the grief confronting families who lost loved ones in the crash and prayed for strength and comfort for those affected.
The NGF commended the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Government, Ondo State Government, security agencies, emergency responders and residents of Igbokoda for their response to the accident and participation in the search and recovery operation.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning over the tragedy and ordered flags across the country to be flown at half-mast.
The President also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to help prevent a recurrence.
The Nigerian Air Force has since released the names of the 25 victims after notifying their families.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for both the Air Force and Nigeria, assuring the bereaved families of the service’s support.
The precise cause of the accident has not yet been officially established, and investigations are ongoing.
