The Senate on Monday extended condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and families of the 32 people killed when a military aircraft crashed in Ondo State, calling the incident a “deeply painful moment” for the nation.
In a statement signed by Senator Osita Ngwu, Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force, the Upper Chamber commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, and “most importantly, the families and loved ones of all those affected by this unfortunate incident.”
“We mourn our gallant men and women who lost their lives while undertaking their duties in service to Nigeria, as well as the other persons who were on board the aircraft,” Ngwu said.
“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and their commitment to the defence and security of our nation remains worthy of honour and remembrance.”
The Senator urged the public to remain calm and rely exclusively on official information from the Nigerian Air Force and other competent authorities as search-and-rescue operations and investigations continue.
He added that the Senate Committee on Air Force would engage NAF leadership for a full briefing on the circumstances surrounding the crash and monitor developments closely.
The ill-fated aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday morning.
Preliminary information indicated there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m and subsequent information confirmed it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, where the wreckage was located.
Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
President Bola Tinubu later confirmed there were no survivors and declared a three-day national mourning period, directing flags to be flown at half-mast across the country.
He ordered the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
The crash ranks among Nigeria’s deadliest military aviation accidents in recent years and is likely to intensify scrutiny of flight safety protocols within the armed forces.
The ATR-42 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed to carry between 30 and 50 passengers.
