The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State.

The aircraft, which reportedly had 32 persons on board, was involved in the tragic incident on Monday, prompting grief across the country and renewed concerns over the safety of military aviation operations.

Guwor, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, in Asaba, described the incident as a national tragedy and a painful blow to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the aviation sector and the entire nation.

The Speaker, on behalf of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, extended condolences to the families of those affected, the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Government and the people of Ondo State.

“On behalf of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, I join all well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the tragic crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State.

“This is a very sad and heartbreaking incident. Our hearts go out to the officers, crew members and other persons on board, their families, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Federal Government of Nigeria in this moment of grief,” he said.

Guwor also commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Air Staff and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as the government and people of Ondo State, where the incident occurred.

He particularly expressed sympathy with families confronted with what he described as “unimaginable pain and loss” following the crash.

The Conference of Speakers chairman commended President Tinubu for directing a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, saying such a step was important in establishing what led to the incident and strengthening aviation safety.

He called on the relevant authorities, particularly the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), to ensure that the investigation was transparent, comprehensive and technically sound.

According to him, the outcome of the investigation should not only establish the cause of the crash but also help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Guwor noted that the incident had once again highlighted the sacrifices being made by Nigerian military personnel in the course of defending the country and maintaining its territorial integrity.

“Incidents like this remind us of the enormous sacrifices our gallant military personnel make daily to keep Nigeria safe and united.

“We must, as a nation, continue to prioritise the safety, welfare and operational readiness of our Armed Forces,” he said.

He assured that state legislators across the country would continue to support measures and legislative interventions aimed at strengthening safety standards and protecting the lives of military personnel and other Nigerians.

The Delta Speaker also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who may have lost their lives in the crash and for divine comfort for their families.

He urged Nigerians to stand with the affected families and the Nigerian Air Force during the period of mourning, praying that God would grant the nation and all those affected the fortitude to bear the loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” Guwor added.