President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 32 personnel aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, an ATR-42, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed shortly after 9am on Monday while on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.
A military source confirmed that all 32 people on board died in the crash.
In a statement issued on Monday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire 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.
The President commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the crash, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the scene.
Tinubu also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“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.
Earlier, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo disclosed that the aircraft had crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda.
The incident occurred in the oil-producing Ilaje region of Ondo State, where the wreckage was located near a river and rescue personnel were deployed to the area.
The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and urged God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
