The Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria, MULAN, has expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje local government area of Ondo State, killing 25 persons.
In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Abdulrahman Ahmad Paiko, the association described the incident as a painful national tragedy, while honouring the Air Force personnel and other victims who lost their lives in the course of the mission.
The aircraft crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The association said the fallen personnel should be remembered not only for the circumstances of their death but also for their service, courage and commitment to Nigeria.
MULAN extended its condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, the families and colleagues of the deceased, while calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
The statement by MULAN reads in full:
The Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) has received with profound grief the tragic loss of lives in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft accident in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that 25 persons—five crew members and 20 passengers—lost their lives when NAF 931, an ATR-42 aircraft, crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. No survivor has been found.
For MULAN, this tragedy represents far more than the loss of lives in an aviation accident. We mourn Nigerians who served, Nigerians who carried the weight of national responsibility, and Nigerians who understood that service to the nation sometimes demands courage in the face of danger.
Among the fallen were officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who were undertaking their duties in service to Nigeria. Their lives were devoted to a cause greater than themselves—the protection, security and advancement of their country. They may have departed in tragedy, but they must be remembered in honour. They paid the ultimate price in the course of national service.
Their uniforms represented duty. Their presence on that mission represented responsibility. Their return was expected by families, colleagues and the nation. Instead, Nigeria received the painful news of their death.
MULAN therefore honours the memory of these fallen personnel and all those who perished in the crash. We salute their courage, their commitment and their service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We also recognise the profound sacrifice borne by their families, who must now live with a loss that no words can adequately repair.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, and all Nigerians mourning this national tragedy.
We commend the immediate search-and-rescue response and note the comprehensive investigation ordered by the Nigerian Air Force to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. We trust that the investigation will be thorough, professional and transparent, and that every necessary lesson will be drawn to strengthen the safety and protection of those who serve our nation.
As Muslims, we submit to the decree of Almighty Allah:
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and indeed to Him shall we return.”
— Qur’an 2:156
We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive the shortcomings of the departed, accept their good deeds, reward their service to humanity and their nation, illuminate and widen their graves, and grant them Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
May Allah grant their families Sabr, strength and comfort; grant their colleagues the courage to continue their service; and protect all members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies who continue to place their lives on the line in service to Nigeria.
They served Nigeria.
They carried the burden of duty.
They paid the ultimate price.
May their service never be forgotten.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
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