President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences over the deaths of Nigerian Air Force personnel in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
The aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area on Monday.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the service and identified it as an ATR-42 twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Reports said it was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Investigation ordered
Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the personnel affected by the crash and directed relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Nigerian Air Force launched search-and-rescue efforts following the crash, with authorities warning the public against circulating unverified information while operations continued.
The crash initially generated reports describing the aircraft as a military helicopter. Subsequent official information identified it as an ATR-42 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force.
Authorities begin response
The incident has prompted a coordinated response involving aviation and security authorities as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
A full investigation is expected to examine the aircraft’s condition, operational circumstances, flight path and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
The President’s directive is aimed at ensuring the cause of the crash is established and appropriate measures taken to prevent similar incidents.