Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that killed all 32 people aboard and declared three days of national mourning for the victims.
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Tinubu also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country during the mourning period, the presidency said in a statement on Monday.
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Nigeria Military Aircraft Crashes in Ondo State With 32 Aboard
The ATR-42 aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. local time as it was travelling to Lagos. The wreckage was later located near the naval base.
Tinubu said Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke had briefed him on the crash and directed the Air Force to investigate its cause and take steps to prevent similar incidents.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” Tinubu said in a condolence message to Aneke and Nigerian Air Force personnel.
“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.
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The president also commended the Air Force for activating search and rescue operations following the crash.
The Air Force will release the names of those killed after their families have been contacted, the presidency said.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
