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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Tinubu also expressed sadness over the crash, which occurred on Monday, near a naval base in Igbokoda.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Preliminary information from the Ministry of Aviation indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
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In a statement on Monday, the President expressed condolences to the families of those on board. He also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and Nigerian Air Force personnel.
“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.
The President said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident. He directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
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Tinubu also commended the NAF for activating search and rescue operations after the crash. He praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the crash and said search and rescue operations were activated in coordination with relevant authorities. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has also said it would not directly investigate the crash unless formally invited by the military, since the incident involved a military aircraft.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and asked God to comfort their families and the Nigerian Air Force. He also assured the Air Force of his administration’s continued support in carrying out its security duties.
