Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed grief over the death of an indigene of the state, Ukeme David, in the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash that claimed 25 lives in Ondo State.

Eno, in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and families of the military personnel and civilians who died in the crash.

The governor described the incident as tragic, saying the state shared in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the air disaster.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the family of our son, Ukeme David, who was one of the 25 victims of the crash,” Eno said.

He extended the condolence to the families of all the victims, including the gallant officers who died in the crash.

“We join the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who has already declared three days of national mourning, to sympathize with the families of the departed gallant officers and other civilians on the ill-fated flight,” the governor said.

Eno said the government and people of Akwa Ibom stood in solidarity with the bereaved families at a time of profound loss.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, saying: “May their souls rest in peace.”

The crash occurred in Ondo State and involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with 25 people reportedly losing their lives.