By Mary Izuaka

 

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft in Ondo State that killed 32 people on board.

ThePreview Media reported the aircraft crashed on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, throwing residents of the coastal community into panic.

Confirming the incident, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, said a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931 disappeared while en route from Benin to Lagos at 9:13 a.m.

Mr Keyamo said preliminary information suggests that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.

Mr Tinubu, in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved.

“President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash on Monday morning of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet 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,” the statement said.

He also expressed condolences to 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. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Mr Tinubu said.

The President said the Chief of Air Staff briefed him on the incident and that he directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

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He said the investigation is aimed at preventing future occurrences.

Mr Tinubu commended the NAF for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident.

“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.

“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.

“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” he said.