NGF condoles families of Ondo aircraft crash victims

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

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

The Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, conveyed the condolences on behalf of the 36 state governors and the people of Nigeria to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.

The condolence message was contained in a statement released on Tuesday in Ilorin, in which the forum described the incident as a painful moment for the nation.

“This is a deeply painful moment for our nation. 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,” the statement read.

The forum said the loss was not only a devastating blow to the families and colleagues of the victims but also an immeasurable loss to the nation they served with courage, commitment and honour.

It also acknowledged the pain of families who lost fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and other loved ones, saying no words could adequately ease the burden of such a loss.

The NGF commended the Nigerian Air Force, the federal and Ondo state governments, security agencies, emergency responders and residents of Igbokoda for their efforts in responding to the incident and supporting search and recovery operations.

The forum joined the president and commander in chief, the government and people of Nigeria and the Armed Forces in mourning the victims, while praying that God grants eternal rest to the departed and gives their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the loss, adding that their sacrifice would continue to inspire a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.