By John Paul
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over Monday morning’s crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, ordering an immediate and thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near Igbokoda.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the families of those involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen 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,” the President said.
Tinubu said he had been briefed by the Chief of the Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation to establish the cause of the crash and draw lessons that could help prevent a recurrence.
“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,” he said.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for swiftly activating search and rescue operations following the accident.
He praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their prompt intervention at the crash site.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He assured the Air Force of the continued support of his administration as it carries out its responsibility of securing the country.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier said the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from contact with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m.
Efforts to re-establish radio contact were unsuccessful before information emerged that the aircraft had crashed close to the naval base in Igbokoda.
The wreckage was subsequently located, and search and rescue personnel deployed to the area.
Keyamo said he spoke with the Chief of the Air Staff following the accident and pledged the cooperation of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He, however, explained that military aircraft are outside the regulatory jurisdiction of the ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said it would not independently investigate the crash unless formally invited by the military.
The NSIB explained that accidents involving military aircraft fall under military jurisdiction pursuant to the NSIB Establishment Act, 2022, and established international practice.
The bureau nevertheless said it was prepared to provide technical assistance if requested by the Nigerian Air Force, including deploying investigators and making its Flight Safety Laboratory available for the recovery and analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
It also expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families and colleagues of those involved in the tragedy, while commending emergency agencies participating in operations at the crash site.
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