The Ghana Air Force has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force following the military aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed 25 lives.
According to The PUNCH, Ghana’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, conveyed the message to his Nigerian counterpart, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The Ghanaian military chief expressed sympathy to the families of those killed in the October 5 accident.
He also acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedy on the Nigerian Air Force and the wider military community.
Agyen-Frempong said Ghana understood the grief associated with fatal aviation incidents, having experienced a similar tragedy the previous year.
Ghana expresses solidarity with Nigerian military
In its statement, the Ghana Air Force reaffirmed its support for Nigeria during the period of national mourning.
“May the departed souls rest in eternal peace,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified by tail number NAF 931, crashed into a swamp near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft reportedly lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after departing Benin City for Lagos.
All 25 people aboard, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, died in the accident.
Search-and-rescue operations involved personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police and Nigerian Air Force.
Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently ordered an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Military authorities urged Nigerians to avoid speculation while investigators worked to establish the cause of the accident.
Ghana’s condolence message adds to expressions of sympathy received by Nigeria following the aviation tragedy.
