The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigerian Air Force personnel in the military aircraft crash near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.
The aircraft was carrying 25 officers and seven crew members at the time of the crash.
Matawalle described the incident as a painful tragedy and a huge loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He said the deaths of the personnel highlight the risks and sacrifices military officers make while defending the country.
“The loss of these gallant personnel in the course of active service to our fatherland is a profound tragedy and a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of our Armed Forces in the service of the nation,” the minister said.
He added that the courage, dedication and service of the fallen personnel would never be forgotten by the nation.
Matawalle also joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in extending condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the painful loss.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to protecting military personnel, maintaining the highest operational safety standards and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.