President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash of an ATR-42 military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft crashed on Monday near a naval base in the coastal community while reportedly travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission.
The presidency said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had briefed the President on the incident, prompting the directive for an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash and measures to prevent a recurrence.
Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country, expressing condolences to the families of those on board and to officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
“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 President said.
The aircraft was initially reported to have been carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, making 32 people on board. However, subsequent reports have contained differing figures, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Tinubu also commended the NAF for activating a search-and-rescue operation, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has offered technical assistance to the military, although it said a formal invitation from the NAF would be required before it could participate in the investigation because the aircraft was a military asset.
The exact cause of the crash has not yet been established, with authorities expected to examine the aircraft’s flight data, operational circumstances and other evidence as part of the investigation.
The President also declared a three-day national mourning period for the Air Force personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast.
