President Tinubu Confirms, Mourns Death Of 32 Aboard Air Force Jet Crash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash on Monday morning of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said earlier on X that the plane crashed near a naval base.
Keyamo and Tinubu described it as an ATR-42 — a twin-engine turboprop that the manufacturers say can carry between 30 and 50 passengers.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The President extends 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 by Tinubu’s Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the President as saying: “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.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.”
A video circulating on social media showed a small crowd gathered near a river while rescuers searched the area by boat. Tinubu said he had “directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences”.
Dayo Akinte, 39, a firewood hawker who lives about a kilometre (mile) from where the accident occurred, described to AFP hearing a sound she thought was “thunder”, referring to the time she believes the plane went down.
Since the crash, “three aircraft have also been flying over the scene”, she said by phone.
She said someone who went fishing in the swamp alerted the nearby naval base and people in the town about the crash.
Igbokoda is located in Ilaje, an oil-producing region in southern Nigeria.
