Northern Governors Condole Families of 32 Military Personnel Killed in Ondo Crash
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Abel Glory Chinwendu
GOMBE, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA — The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed grief over the death of 32 people in the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, conveyed the condolences of northern governors to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the families of the victims.
Yahaya described the crash as a tragic loss to the nation, saying the deceased military personnel made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and defending Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, the governor said the incident was a painful reminder of the risks routinely faced by Nigerian military personnel in the course of their duties.
According to him, the courage, dedication and service of the fallen personnel would remain remembered by Nigerians.
Yahaya commended the Federal Government for its response to the crash, particularly the decision to order a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He also acknowledged the activation of search-and-rescue operations following the crash, describing the measures as necessary steps in responding to the tragedy.
The governor further praised President Tinubu for declaring three days of national mourning in honour of the deceased military personnel.
He also commended the President’s directive for the national flag to be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Yahaya said the measures demonstrated the nation’s recognition of the sacrifice made by the fallen personnel and constituted an appropriate tribute to their service.
The NNGF chairman extended the forum’s condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, as well as the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
He urged the affected families and members of the Armed Forces to remain strong in the face of the tragedy.
“We pray Almighty God to grant repose to the souls of the fallen heroes and give their families, colleagues and the entire Armed Forces the strength and fortitude to bear this monumental loss,” Yahaya said.
The governor also called on Nigerians to continue praying for members of the Armed Forces as they carry out their responsibilities of protecting the country and its citizens.
The crash has triggered expressions of grief and concern across the country, with calls for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the aircraft accident.
The Federal Government’s directive for an investigation is expected to help establish the circumstances that led to the crash and provide relevant findings for the authorities.
The Northern governors’ forum joined other Nigerians in mourning the victims and reaffirming support for the country’s military personnel.
The forum also urged Nigerians to recognise the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces, particularly those serving in demanding and high-risk operational environments.
The NNGF said the nation must continue to honour the memory of those who lost their lives while carrying out their constitutional responsibility to protect Nigeria.
