Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State, which claimed the lives of military personnel and civilians on board.
The aircraft, with tail number NAF 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. The aircraft was later located near the riverine community after air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
Musa, in a statement issued Monday, described the deaths as a painful loss for the Armed Forces and the country. He said the military personnel involved in the flight had served with dedication and commitment to Nigeria’s defence.
The minister extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces and, particularly, the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased personnel.
He also expressed sympathy to the families of the civilians who were on board the aircraft.
“Our hearts also go out to the families of the civilians on board the ill-fated aircraft; we share your grief,” Musa said.
Musa said the incident had prompted a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine its cause.
He said the investigation would also help ensure that necessary operational safety protocols were reinforced across Nigeria’s military aviation units.
The Defence Headquarters separately confirmed that an investigation would be conducted in line with the directive of the president, while search and rescue efforts involving the Nigerian Air Force, other military services and emergency agencies continued at the crash site.
President Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the victims and directed that national flags be flown at half mast across the country as a mark of respect.
The president also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident.
There have been conflicting official figures concerning the number of people aboard the aircraft. The Ministry of Aviation initially reported 25 passengers and seven crew members, making 32 people, while a subsequent Nigerian Air Force statement cited by the Associated Press said 20 passengers and five crew members were aboard. Authorities have not yet publicly explained the discrepancy.
The crash has prompted mourning across the military community as authorities continue recovery operations and work to establish the circumstances that led to the accident.
Musa prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families, the military community and Nigerians to cope with the loss.
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