President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which killed all 32 people aboard.
The aircraft, an ATR-42, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
A military source confirmed that there were no survivors.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it went down near a naval base in Igbokoda shortly after 9:00am.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, said Tinubu mourned the victims and directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel 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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for immediately activating search and rescue operations following the crash, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the scene.
“I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” the President said.
He assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support as the military carries out its constitutional responsibility of protecting the country.
Earlier, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that the aircraft had crashed near a naval base.
The crash site is located in the riverine community of Igbokoda, an oil-producing area of Ondo State.
Residents reported hearing a loud sound around the time of the crash, while rescue personnel were seen searching the area by boat.
Dayo Akinte, a 39-year-old firewood hawker who lives about a kilometre from the crash site, told AFP that she initially thought the sound was thunder.
She said aircraft were subsequently seen flying over the area as rescue efforts continued.
