President Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the NAF crash in Ondo and mourned the 32 people involved in the fatal accident.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as he mourned the personnel and other occupants involved in the fatal accident.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday while travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission. The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
The NAF confirmed the accident and said it immediately activated a search and rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of those on board, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the 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,” the President said.
Tinubu said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to establish what led to the accident and help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended the NAF for activating a search and rescue operation after the accident, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
The development came after aviation authorities reported that contact with the military aircraft had been lost during its flight from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was subsequently located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said the incident involved a military aircraft and therefore falls outside its statutory mandate unless it is formally invited by the military authority to participate in the investigation.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
He also assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support in carrying out its responsibilities to protect the country.
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