Tinubu Mourns NAF Personnel Killed in Ondo Jet Crash, Orders Probe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The jet, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, crashed on Monday morning.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
President Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation. “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,” he said.
The President disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff has briefed him and that he has directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent a recurrence.
He commended the NAF for activating a Search and Rescue operation immediately after the accident and lauded first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.
