NAF ATR-42 crash: Military mourns, Tinubu orders probe as rescue efforts continue

"The Defence Headquarters, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, extended its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those involved in the incident." Maj. General Samaila Uba, Director, Defense Information 

.... Conveys the sympathies of the military leadership to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces family.

.... Describes the incident as a painful loss to the military and the nation. The sacrifices of military personnel who give their all in the service of the country would not be forgotten.

By Emmanuel Onotevure 

The Nigerian military has been thrown into mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with the Defence Headquarters expressing deep shock over the tragedy.

The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, had military personnel and some members of families on board when the mishap occurred.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the Defence Headquarters, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, extended its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those involved in the incident.

Uba also conveyed the sympathies of the military leadership to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces family.

Describing the incident as a painful loss to the military and the nation, the Defence spokesperson said the sacrifices of military personnel who give their all in the service of the country would not be forgotten.

He said the mishap was being handled in compliance with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident.

According to him, search and rescue operations were ongoing at the crash site, with the Nigerian Air Force working in collaboration with sister Services and emergency response agencies.

“The leadership of the Armed Forces wishes to assure all Nigerians that the Armed Forces will remain resolute and committed to our constitutional mandate of securing the nation, despite this painful setback,” Uba said.

He added that the sacrifice of the fallen personnel would continue to inspire the Armed Forces in its service to the nation.

The Defence Headquarters also appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation over the incident and respect the privacy of the affected families while official procedures and investigations continue.

The military prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and for God to grant the bereaved families the strength to bear the loss.