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 personnel on board.
The Chairman of the forum and Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed the condolences in a statement issued by the NGF Director of Media and Strategic Communications, 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 military personnel for their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, noting that their bravery and dedication to national security would always be remembered.
He prayed for comfort and fortitude for the bereaved families and the nation as they mourn the loss.
President Bola Tinubu had declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died in the crash and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in their honour.
The Nigerian Air Force said the ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities.
It added that no survivors had been found.
