President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The President has directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent a recurrence.
The NAF confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the service after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that a military aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda following the loss of contact with air traffic controllers.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the aircraft was said to have been on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred on Monday morning.
The statement said 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.
President Tinubu condoled with the families of those involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President said he had been briefed on the incident by the Chief of the Air Staff and directed the immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue operations, while praising first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
He also assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support in the discharge of its responsibilities to the nation.
