By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 32 people in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State and ordered a thorough investigation into the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and 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,” the President said.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
He directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended the 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 victims and urged God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
Tinubu further assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support as the service carries out its constitutional responsibility of protecting the nation.
