President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the cause of the aircraft crash near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The President also expressed grief over the incident involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos on Monday morning.
The aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members aboard, was confirmed to belong to the Nigerian Air Force following the crash.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier announced that air traffic controllers lost contact with a military aircraft while it was en route to Lagos before information emerged that it had crashed near the naval base in Igbokoda.
Tinubu’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled, ‘President Tinubu mourns NAF personnel in Ondo jet crash, orders thorough investigation of the mishap.’
The President condoled with the families of those involved in the crash, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen 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 Aneke had briefed him on the incident and disclosed that he had directed the Air Force to immediately determine what led to the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to establish the cause of the accident and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The President also commended the NAF for promptly deploying search and rescue teams following the crash.
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He praised the first responders and the Ondo State Government for their quick intervention at the scene of the incident.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President further assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued backing as the service carries out its responsibilities in protecting the country.
He said the government would continue to support the military as it performs its role in safeguarding the nation.