President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State, while expressing condolences to the families of the military personnel affected by the incident.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 operated by the Nigerian Air Force, crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
Tinubu’s directive followed a briefing from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President directed the Air Force to immediately begin an investigation to establish the cause of the crash.
The investigation, according to the statement, is also expected to identify measures that could help prevent a recurrence of a similar incident.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier disclosed that 32 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Reacting to the tragedy, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Nigerian Armed Forces and the country.
He commiserated with the families of the affected personnel and the leadership and members of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President also acknowledged the risks undertaken by military personnel in the course of protecting the nation, stressing that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
Tinubu further commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search-and-rescue efforts following the crash.
He also praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift intervention at the scene.
The President prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives and asked God to give their families and colleagues in the Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force in carrying out its responsibility of protecting the country.
