Ghana extends condolences to Nigeria over tragic Ondo plane crash

President John Dramani Mahama and the government of Ghana have expressed their condolences to Nigeria following the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The crash occurred on October 5 when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft went down near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, in Ondo State.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.

The wreckage was subsequently located and rescue operations were launched.

Following the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims and also directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the cause of the crash.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ghana shares in the grief of the Nigerian government, the families of the victims and the Nigerian Armed Forces following the October 5 tragedy.

The Ministry said Ghana's own experience with a fatal military aircraft crash over a year ago makes the country particularly aware of the pain and sorrow associated with such a tragedy.

“As a nation that grieved and still grieving the tragic loss of six of our compatriots in a similar incident barely a year ago, Ghana deeply understands the pain and sorrow that Nigeria is experiencing at this difficult time,” the Ministry said in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8.

The ministry extended its sympathies to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues of the victims, as well as the Nigerian Armed Forces and the people of Nigeria.

“Ghana shares in Nigeria's grief. We mourn the lives lost and extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues of the victims, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the entire people of Nigeria,” it said.