Governors mourn victims of Ondo aircraft crash, commend first responders

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, which claimed the lives of military personnel and other individuals on board.

Speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors and the people of Nigeria, Abdulrazaq extended his profound condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen officers, as well as to the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Describing the incident as a “deeply painful moment for our nation,” the NGF Chairman remarked:

“The men and women of our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices, often under the most challenging circumstances, to serve our country and protect our people. Their loss is therefore not merely a loss to their families and colleagues, but an immeasurable loss to the nation they served with courage, commitment and honour.”

Abdulrazaq specifically acknowledged the immense pain of families who have lost fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, and loved ones, noting that “no words can adequately ease the burden of such a loss”.

He assured them that the nation stands with them in grief, praying that they find strength, comfort, and courage in the memories of the lives their loved ones lived.

The NGF Chairman emphasized that the service of the departed personnel will not be forgotten and that their memory will remain part of the story of a nation they served with honor.

Furthermore, the Forum commended the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal and Ondo State governments, security agencies, emergency responders, and residents of Igbokoda for their swift efforts in responding to the incident and supporting search and recovery operations.

Concluding his statement, Governor Abdulrazaq prayed:”May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the departed and give their families, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May their sacrifice continue to inspire a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.”