TINUBU ORDERS THOROUGH INVESTIGATION AS AIYEDATIWA MOBILISES SUPPORT FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was en route from Benin to Lagos, disappeared from radar at about 9:13 Monday morning after efforts by Air Traffic Controllers to establish radio contact with the aircraft proved unsuccessful.
The wreckage was subsequently located in a swampy area close to, and opposite, the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
Preliminary information indicates that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who confirmed the incident, said the regulation and control of military aircraft are outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The Ondo State Government has also mobilised resources to support the rescue effort.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who expressed deep sadness over the incident, directed the State Emergency Management Agency, the Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to provide immediate logistical and human support to the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency responders at the crash site.
The Governor also ordered that the area be secured and cordoned off to allow unhindered rescue operations, while urging residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area and security agencies on the ground as the rescue operation continues.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash and extended his condolences to the families of those on board, the Chief of the Air Staff and the entire Nigerian Air Force.
The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, stressing that the sacrifice of military personnel who risk their lives in the service of the country would not be forgotten.
President Tinubu 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, with a view to preventing future occurrences.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue operations, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.
As search and rescue efforts continue, authorities say further information on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the fate of those on board will be made available as credible details emerge.
