BY EDMOND ODOK – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet after it went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday morning
This is as the President directed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to commence an immediate, thorough and sweeping investigation into the cause of the crash that reportedly claimed about 32 lives on board. The twin-engine turboprop was executing a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the unfortunate crash occurred.
A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, quoted President Tinubu as expressing profound grief over the disaster, calling it a “painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation.”
Onanuga said the President had extended his deepest condolences to the family 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.
The statement read in part, “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 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. I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident.
“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.”
While assuring the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as “they continue their vital role in securing our nation”, President Tinubu said: “I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site”.
Meanwhile, reliable sources told Forefront News that given the presidential directives, military investigators are now scrambling to determine what brought down the aircraft, as search and rescue teams secure the wreckage site near the coastal community.
