Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed profound grief over the death of 32 military personnel in a Nigerian military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Governor Alia described the incident as a painful national tragedy and a significant loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces, saying the country had lost gallant personnel who dedicated their lives to the service and protection of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor extended his deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Nigerian Air Force; and the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.
Governor Alia said the sacrifice of the fallen personnel would not be forgotten, noting that members of the Armed Forces continue to demonstrate courage and patriotism in the discharge of their duties, often at great personal risk.
He said the tragedy underscored the dangers confronting Nigeria’s military personnel and the immense sacrifices they make in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting its citizens.
The Governor urged the bereaved families to draw strength from the knowledge that their loved ones served their country with honour and distinction.
He also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, stressing the need to establish the cause of the incident and implement appropriate measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Governor Alia commended the relevant authorities and emergency responders for their efforts following the crash and urged Nigerians to keep the bereaved families and the Armed Forces in their prayers.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and asked God to grant their families, colleagues and the entire Nigerian military the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Benue State, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“We share in this moment of national grief and honour the memory of those who paid the supreme price in service to our country. May God grant them eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear this painful loss.”
Gov Alia mourns 32 military personnel, condoles families, Nigerian Air Force