By our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, crashed on Monday morning, October 5, 2026.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members on board the aircraft, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force.
Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, noting that Nigerian Air Force personnel put their lives on the line daily in the service of the country.
The President said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the personnel who lost their lives and expressed hope that God would grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s continued support for the Nigerian Air Force in its role of securing the nation, while also commending the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.
