President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday morning.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu condoled with the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the crash, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, noting that NAF personnel regularly put their lives at risk in the service of the country.
“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 by the Chief of the Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of 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.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
The President also assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support in the discharge of its responsibility to protect the nation.
