DHQ mourns victims of NAF ATR-42 crash in Ondo community

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed deep shock and sadness over Monday's crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those involved in the crash.

The military high command also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces community over the tragic incident. It described the crash as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, noting that military personnel continue to make sacrifices in the daily effort to keep Nigeria safe. According to the statement, an investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident in compliance with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

ALSO READ: Benue teachers celebrate World Teachers Day, endorse Alia for second term It added that search and rescue operations by the NAF, in collaboration with sister services and emergency response agencies, were continuing at the crash site. The DHQ reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would remain resolute in fulfilling their constitutional mandate of securing the nation despite the tragic setback. It also appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the affected families while official procedures surrounding the incident continue.

The Defence Headquarters prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.