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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI) has mourned the 25 persons killed in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its International President, Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, described the incident as a painful tragedy that had plunged the nation, the Armed Forces and the victims’ families into mourning.
The ATR-42 aircraft, which was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos, crashed in Ondo State with 20 passengers and five crew members on board.
DNKI commiserated with the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces.
It also condoled with the governments and people of Ondo and Edo states over the tragedy.
The group acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of three days of national mourning and the directive for national flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen personnel.
DNKI also commended the Senate for postponing its National Security Summit scheduled for October 12 and 13 in honour of the victims.
The organisation, however, called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the crash, urging authorities to make the findings public and implement recommendations from the inquiry.
“Every possible factor responsible for the tragedy must be established, lessons must be learned and all necessary measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future,” DNKI said.
The organisation also urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Air Force to provide continued support, information and assistance to the bereaved families.
It said the sacrifice of military personnel who die in the line of duty must not be taken for granted, stressing that their families deserve the support and compassion of the nation.
DNKI prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved families and colleagues of the victims, urging Nigerians to unite in honouring the fallen personnel.
