Governors across Nigeria have mourned the 25 victims of the NAF 931 aircraft crash in Ondo State, as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum commended the fallen personnel for their service to the nation.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed grief over the death of 25 people in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, conveyed the forum’s condolences in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Tanko, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The forum expressed sympathy to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, as well as the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“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,” AbdulRazaq said.
The forum also commended the military personnel who died in the incident, describing their service and commitment to national security as a sacrifice that would be remembered.
The NAF has confirmed that 25 people were on board the ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The official manifest comprised five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. The NAF subsequently confirmed that no survivors had been found.
The confirmation corrected earlier figures that had put the number of people aboard the aircraft at 32. Reuters also reported that the initial figure had been provided before the NAF released its revised and detailed manifest.
The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash in coordination with relevant authorities.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the Air Force personnel who died in the crash.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased.
Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, while directing the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The President also commended the immediate activation of search-and-rescue operations following the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force has urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as investigations continue.
The service said it would provide timely and verified updates on the incident and appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The crash has triggered mourning across the country, with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum joining the Federal Government, the Armed Forces and families of the deceased in paying tribute to those who lost their lives.
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