𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐣𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐝𝐨

Commiserates with families of 25 passengers, seven crew members killed in crash

Declares 3-day mourning, PDP condoles families of 32 NAF crash victims

Defence Minister mourns victims of military aircraft crash

By Adetokunbo Abiola with agency reports

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over Monday’s crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

Tinubu immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.

The President extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the crash.

He also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday 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 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.”

Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force and other stakeholders for its immediate search and rescue operation.

“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,” Tinubu said.

President Tinubu has also declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash on Monday.

He ‌⁠‍⁠⁠‍directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.

Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo.

The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.

“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,” Tinubu said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

The President had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, saying the probe should help prevent future occurrences.

The identities of the deceased personnel will be released by the Air Force after their families have been notified.

Meanwhile, the Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State.

Turaki, PDP Interim National Working Committee National Chairman, expressed the sadness in a statement by the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Monday in Abuja.

Turaki said authorities had sadly reported that there were no survivors among the 32 people on board the aircraft.

“Our service personnel have given so much for the unity and survival of this country, and news of their deaths is deeply painful.

 “On behalf of the PDP family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the NAF and the families of the fallen. We pray that such tragedies do not recur,” he said.

Turaki urged authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash.

He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and strength for their families.

In same vein, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a military aircraft with tail number NAF 931 involving personnel of the Armed Forces. ‌⁠‍⁠⁠‍‍‌‍‌‌

Musa, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the incident claimed the lives of officers and airmen who were on routine flight mission while serving the nation.

 “This painful incident claimed the lives of brave officers and airmen who were engaged in routine flight mission while serving our nation with courage, unyielding devotion, and selfless patriotism.

 “The loss of these valiant patriots is an irreparable blow not only to the military high command and their comrades-in-arms, but to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

 Musa said the officers and men exemplified the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the defence of the fatherland.

 He extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces and families of the fallen heroes.

 “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces, and most especially, the immediate families, loved ones, and colleagues of our fallen heroes.

  “We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour,” he said.

 The minister also condoled with families of civilians on board the ill-fated aircraft.

 He said a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash had been ordered to ascertain the cause and ensure reinforcement of operational safety protocols across military aviation units.

 “We pray that the Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal repose, and give their families, the military community, and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Musa said.