President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Monday, the President extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed earlier today after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Air Force activated a search-and-rescue operation while first responders and the Ondo State Government joined efforts at the crash site. Tinubu directed the immediate commencement of a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and urged God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss. He also commended the Air Force for its swift search-and-rescue response, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their intervention at the crash site.
