The Nigerian Air Force is in mourning following a tragic air crash that claimed the lives of 32 individuals, including 25 passengers and seven crew members. The incident occurred on Monday when an ATR-42 aircraft, identified by its tail number NGR 931, went down near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed his condolences in a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday. He extended his sympathies to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force community. Kyari emphasized the profound loss felt by the families of the deceased, stating, "I pray that Almighty God grants the bereaved families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace."

Reports indicate that the aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Benin City, the capital of Edo State, at approximately 9:13 am. It was en route to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane, which subsequently crashed into a swampy area in Igbokoda, located in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

This incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of military aviation in Nigeria, prompting calls for thorough investigations into the circumstances that led to the crash. The Nigerian Air Force is expected to conduct a detailed inquiry to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on supporting the families affected by this devastating loss. The outpouring of grief from various quarters highlights the impact of the incident on the broader Nigerian community, as citizens come together to mourn the lives lost in this unfortunate event.