President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash that occurred in Ondo State on Monday, as he mourned the military personnel involved in the accident.
The NAF ATR-42 jet crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while travelling on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence an investigation aimed at determining what caused the mishap and preventing a recurrence.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier informed that there were 32 people aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members on board the aircraft, as well as to the Chief of the Air Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search-and-rescue operation immediately after the crash.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the affected personnel, praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and asking God to grant their relatives and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to cope with the loss.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation,” he said.
The President also commended first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.
