President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday morning.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the crash, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” Tinubu said.
“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he added.
The President said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident 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 its immediate response following the accident.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident,” he said.
The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers involved in the crash and asked God to give their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude 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,” Tinubu said.
He assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support in carrying out its responsibilities to 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,” he said.
Tinubu also commended those who responded to the incident at the crash site, including the Ondo State Government.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” the President said.
The President directed that the investigation into the crash be conducted thoroughly, with the findings expected to help prevent similar incidents in the future.