By Emameh Gabriel
A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, killing the 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, according to a State House statement.
The jet was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately after the crash.
President Bola Tinubu, reacting to the incident, expressed profound sadness and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. He said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had briefed him on the incident.
Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to Aneke, and to all 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.
He commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation, as well as the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.
The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the loss. He also assured the Air Force of his administration’s continued support.
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