President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
He directed the NAF to immediately investigate the cause of the accident.
The service confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the NAF after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that a military aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement signed Monday titled ‘President Tinubu mourns NAF personnel in Ondo jet crash, orders thorough investigation of the mishap.’
According to the statement, the aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred on Monday morning.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident, adding that he had directed the NAF to “immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.”
Tinubu commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation after the accident.
He also praised the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss,” the President said.
He assured the Air Force of his administration’s continued support “as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.”