President of Nigeria , Bola Tinubu, has ordered a swift investigation, after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje LGA of Ondo state, leaving all on board dead.
A NAF ATR-42 aircraft carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members crashed on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda community.
The NAF,l said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when the accident happened.
In a statement issued on Monday evening by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu ordered the NAF to swiftly start a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
President Tinubu called the fatal crash a “painful moment” for the nation’s armed forces, while saluting the NAF for activating a search and rescue operation after the accident.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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 sent out his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the crash.
He further expressed condolences to chief of air staff, Sunday Aneke and officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF.
“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.
Tinubu gave assurances that NAF will continue enjoying its administration’s support as it carries out its role of securing Nigeria.
The President of Nigeria further
commended first responders and the Ondo state government for their quick response at the crash site.
