By Segun Adewale in Gombe
The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has expressed profound grief over the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all 32 persons on board.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message on behalf of his colleagues in the NNGF, sympathised with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces and the bereaved families over the painful loss.
According to the message contained in a Press release issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli,
Director-General ( Press Affairs),
Government House , Gombe, which was made available to Journalists Tuesday,the NNGF described the incident as a tragic reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by Nigerian military personnel in the service and defence of the nation.
The Governor said the deceased personnel paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, stressing that their courage and service to the country would not be forgotten.
He commended the Federal Government for the prompt measures taken in response to the tragedy, particularly the directive for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, as well as the immediate activation of search-and-rescue operations.
The NNGF Chairman also applauded President Tinubu for declaring three days of national mourning and directing that the national flag be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen personnel, describing the gesture as a fitting tribute to their service and sacrifice.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, and the families and colleagues of the deceased.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya prayed Almighty God to repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and give their families, colleagues and the entire Armed Forces the strength and fortitude to bear the monumental loss.
He urged Nigerians to continue to uphold the Armed Forces in prayer as they confront the risks associated with their duty to protect the nation.
