US mission mourns victims of Ondo air crash

The United States Mission in Nigeria has conveyed its deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of those who perished in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash that occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The mission joined the chorus of tributes to the victims, stating, "The US Mission in Nigeria sends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost in yesterday’s Nigerian Air Force crash."

The tragic incident unfolded when an ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The crash resulted in the loss of all 25 individuals on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the details of the crash, releasing the names of the victims on Tuesday as search and recovery efforts continued at the site.

Among the fallen were both military personnel and civilians. The US Mission also extended its condolences to the ongoing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, reaffirming their commitment to the strong relationship. President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning for the fallen military personnel, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed the incident as a "deeply painful moment" for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, ordering a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.