The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has mourned the victims of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Ondo State, describing the incident as a painful national tragedy.
The aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 5 while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Initial official information put the number of persons aboard at 32, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently said its reviewed manifest showed 25 persons—20 passengers and five crew members—and confirmed that there were no survivors. �
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Guwor, in a condolence statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, in Asaba, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims, the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Government and the people of Ondo State.
He said the tragedy represented a significant loss to the nation’s Armed Forces and the families of those who died.
“This is a very sad and heartbreaking incident. Our hearts go out to the officers, crew members and other persons on board, their families, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Federal Government of Nigeria in this moment of grief.”
Guwor also commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, while praying for comfort for families affected by the crash.
The Speaker welcomed President Tinubu’s directive for a thorough investigation into the accident. The Presidency has confirmed that the President ordered the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the cause of the crash to prevent a recurrence. �
State House Abuja
Guwor called for an investigation that would be transparent, comprehensive and technically sound, urging the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify measures capable of preventing similar incidents.
According to him, “Incidents like this remind us of the enormous sacrifices our gallant military personnel make daily to keep Nigeria safe and united.”
He stressed that the welfare, safety and operational readiness of military personnel must remain a national priority, particularly given the risks associated with their duties.
Guwor further assured that legislators across the 36 states would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening safety standards and improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
The Speaker concluded by praying for the repose of the victims and divine comfort for their families, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The Defence Headquarters has also confirmed that an investigation would be conducted in compliance with the President’s directive to establish the cause of the accident, while military authorities continue to mourn the loss.
