NGF mourns victims of Ondo aircraft crash

An AI-generated image of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft

​‌‍​‌‍⁠⁠‍​​‍‍‌‍‌‍‌​The Nigeria Governors’ Forum 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 25 persons on board.

The forum Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed sadness in a statement issued by the NGF Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The PUNCH reports that the military aircraft had disappeared from radar shortly after take-off, according to a senior Air Traffic Controller familiar with the aircraft’s final journey.

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin City, the Edo State capital, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 am, before it crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda.

“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,” AbdulRazaq said.

He 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.

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President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the NAF personnel, and also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.

The NAF, on Tuesday, confirmed the death of all 25 people on board in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

The aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.

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.