The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed profound grief over the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all 32 people on board.
The crash, involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, occurred during a flight from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.
The tragedy has plunged the nation and the military community into mourning, with the victims comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
In a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, other service chiefs, officers and men of the Armed Forces, as well as the families and loved ones of the victims.
The Senate President described the incident as a devastating national tragedy, saying the country had lost personnel who were serving the nation.
Akpabio said:
“I received with grief the tragic incident of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, resulting in the loss of 32 lives — 25 passengers and seven crew members.
“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Service Chiefs, officers and men of our Armed Forces, and, most importantly, the families and loved ones of all those who perished in this tragic incident.”
He paid tribute to the victims, describing them as fallen heroes whose service and sacrifice must not be forgotten.
“A nation may mourn its fallen heroes, but it must never forget the courage with which they gave their lives in service to the Republic,” Akpabio stated.
He added that the tragedy represented a particularly painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the entire country.
“This is a profoundly painful moment for our nation and, particularly, for the Nigerian Air Force. May their souls rest in peace and may Almighty God comfort the bereaved families and our nation.
Amen,” he said.
The incident has renewed public attention on aviation safety and the risks faced by military personnel carrying out official missions.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and establish what led to the aircraft going down near Igbokoda.
As Nigeria mourns, the Senate President urged the nation to remember the victims not only for the tragedy that ended their lives but also for their service to the country.
