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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has described the death of 25 people in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State as “a painful moment” for Nigeria, saying the nation will not forget the sacrifice of the fallen personnel.
Tinubu, who expressed grief over the crash, said the military personnel who died had put their lives on the line every day in the service and defence of the country.
The President stated this in a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, while mourning the victims of the NAF 931 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
“Yesterday, Nigeria lost brave men and women of our Air Force in the service of our country.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu wrote.
The President said the tragedy had also devastated families who were expecting their loved ones to return home, noting that every military uniform represented a family waiting for its occupant.
“Behind every uniform is a family. A spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister who expected their loved one home. Nigeria grieves with them,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated that he has declared three days of national mourning and directed that the national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of those who lost their lives.
“I have declared three days of national mourning and directed that our flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of those we have lost,” he stated.
The President also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, saying the objective was to prevent a recurrence.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” Tinubu said.
He commended the NAF for activating an immediate search-and-rescue operation following the accident.
“I also commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that 25 people were on board the ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board, but no survivors have been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
He assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
The five crew members killed in the crash were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were identified as Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye; Flying Officer IM Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F; Master Warrant Officer Matini BA; Warrant Officer Nuhu FS; Flight Sergeant James RB; Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI; Sergeant Ani AE; Sergeant Izibenikien SI; Sergeant Alafuka C; Sergeant Mbadugha AN; Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC; Lance Corporal Eledan GE; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF said Air Marshal Aneke had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
It urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation progresses, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
Tinubu concluded his message by reaffirming the nation’s obligation to remember those who died in service.
“We honour their service. We remember their sacrifice.
“May the souls of our departed heroes rest in peace,” the President said.
