Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed grief over the death of 25 people aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, describing the incident as a painful national tragedy and a significant loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Air Force said the ATR 42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, with no survivors reported.
Alia Condoles Military Families
In his condolence message, Governor Alia extended his sympathy to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased personnel.
He also commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force over the loss.
Alia described the victims as gallant Nigerians who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the country.
According to the governor, their sacrifice represents the courage and patriotism demonstrated by members of the Armed Forces in the course of their duties.
Governor Describes Crash as National Tragedy
The Benue governor said the crash was not only a loss to the families of those who died but also a painful moment for the entire country.
He noted that military personnel routinely operate in difficult and dangerous circumstances while carrying out responsibilities connected to national security and the protection of citizens.
Consequently, Alia said the deaths should remind Nigerians of the risks faced by members of the Armed Forces and the sacrifices they make in service to the nation.
Calls for Investigation Into Crash
Alia also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to crash. The service has also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
For the governor, establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is important not only for the families of the victims but also for strengthening aviation safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Tinubu Declares National Mourning
The tragedy has also prompted a national response, with President Bola Tinubu declaring three days of national mourning for the fallen Air Force personnel.
The President directed that national flags be flown at half mast across the country and ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The development has consequently drawn condolences from political leaders, military authorities and Nigerians across the country.
Honouring Those Who Served
Alia said the sacrifice of the deceased would not be forgotten, stressing that members of the Armed Forces continue to demonstrate courage and patriotism while carrying out their responsibilities.
He also urged Nigerians to remember the bereaved families and the military community in their prayers as they deal with the loss.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja as part of efforts to honour those who died in the crash.
A Moment of National Grief
The Igbokoda crash has brought renewed attention to the dangers associated with military aviation and the risks faced by personnel transporting out operational and logistical duties.
For the families of the victims, however, the tragedy represents a deeply personal loss.
Governor Alia therefore urged Nigerians to stand with the affected families and the Nigerian Air Force during the period of mourning.
Ultimately, the governor’s message reflects a broader national sentiment following the crash: the lives lost in service to Nigeria should be remembered with honour, while efforts to establish the cause of the accident must continue.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved families, honouring the victims and strengthening measures that can help prevent another tragedy of this nature.
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