President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the families of 32 Nigerian Air Force personnel feared dead after a military aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, was reportedly travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission when it crashed.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the incident as a painful loss for the Armed Forces and the country.
“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 directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a view to preventing similar incidents.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended the Air Force for activating a search-and-rescue operation after the incident and praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those involved and offered condolences to their families, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and members of the Nigerian Air Force.
“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 added.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that one of its aircraft crashed in Ondo State while on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos. The circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be established through the investigation ordered by the President.
