Defence minister Christopher Musa has mourned the victims of the Nigerian Air Force plane crash in Igbokoda village, Ondo.

In a statement on Monday, he described the incident as a painful loss to the nation, saying it claimed the lives of officers and airmen who were on a routine flight mission while serving the nation.

“This painful incident claimed the lives of brave officers and airmen who were engaged in routine flight missions while serving our nation with courage, unyielding devotion, and selfless patriotism.

“The loss of these valiant patriots is an irreparable blow not only to the military high command and their comrades-in-arms, but to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the victims exemplified the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the defence of the fatherland.

The minister condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the families of the fallen heroes, among others.

“We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour,” he said, condoling with families of civilians on board the ill-fated aircraft.

Mr Musa added that a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash had been ordered to determine the cause and strengthen operational safety protocols across military aviation units.