The Federal Government has confirmed the death of all 32 people aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, crashed near a naval base while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed profound sadness over the fatal incident and 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 said he had been briefed on the incident by the Chief of the Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and 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.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search and rescue operation immediately after the accident, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident,” the President said.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” he added.
Mourning the victims, Tinubu prayed for the repose of their souls and asked God to grant their families and colleagues in the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss,” he said.
The President also assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as the service carries out its responsibilities of protecting the country.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation,” Tinubu said.
