Ondo Air Crash: Governors Mourn Fallen Military Personnel

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has mourned the military personnel and other passengers killed when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, tail number NGR 931, crashed in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday.

The aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos. Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.

NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, conveyed condolences on behalf of the 36 governors and Nigerians.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Forum’s Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, extended sympathy to the victims’ families, colleagues, the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The NGF described the personnel’s deaths as an ultimate sacrifice in national service and said their bravery and dedication would be remembered. It prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and the nation.

The Nigerian Air Force activated search-and-rescue operations, while emergency and security agencies were mobilised to the crash site.

President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and directed the Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into its cause.

The NGF urged Nigerians to support the bereaved families and the Armed Forces during the national mourning.