The cause of Monday’s Nigerian Air Force jet crash in Ondo State is yet to be established, with President Bola Tinubu ordering a full investigation into the accident reportedly involving 32 people.
The ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission.
The NewDailyPrime had reported that Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the crash, noting that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on the aircraft, a total of 32 persons.
Following this, Tinubu gave the investigation order. In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the investigation order came after the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, briefed the President on the accident.
Tinubu directed the Air Force to begin an immediate and thorough inquiry into what caused the aircraft to crash, saying the findings should help prevent future occurrences.
The presidency gave no possible cause for the accident in its account of the crash.
It also did not provide details about what happened to the aircraft before it went down, or give findings from the search and rescue operation activated after the accident.
That leaves the cause of the crash as the main issue awaiting an official finding.
Air Force starts rescue operation
The Air Force activated a search and rescue operation after the aircraft crashed near the naval base in Igbokoda.
Tinubu commended the Air Force for its response, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their work at the crash site.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident.”
The President also said he had directed the Air Force to investigate the cause of the crash.
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“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 aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed on Monday morning.
The available details show that the aircraft carried 32 people in total: 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Tinubu mourns those lost
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of the people involved in the crash and to Aneke and members of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the incident was painful for the Armed Forces and the country.
“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 prayed for the souls of the officers and asked God to give their families and the Air Force the strength to deal with the loss.
“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 also assured the Air Force of continued support from his administration as its personnel carry out their security duties.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.”
The official account establishes where and when the aircraft crashed, its route and the number of people aboard, but gives no cause for the accident.
The Air Force investigation is expected to provide the explanation for the crash.
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