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 Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said earlier on Monday that air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, tail number NGR 931, at about 9.13 am, and that the wreckage was later located close to the naval base. Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
In a State House statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his deepest condolences to the families of those involved, 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,” the President said.
He disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him, and that he had directed the Nigerian Air Force to begin at once a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, in order to prevent future occurrences.
The President commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation after the accident. He also praised the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.
“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,” he said. “I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.”
By A.Ikechukwu
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