President Bola Tinubu has directed an investigation into the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of all 32 people on board.
In a statement released on Monday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu mourned the victims and offered his condolences to their families and the Nigerian Air Force.
The President also expressed sympathy to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, along with officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force following the tragedy.
“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 was quoted as saying.
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly launching a search and rescue operation after the aircraft crashed. He also recognised the efforts of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the scene.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers and asked God to strengthen their families and the Nigerian Air Force as they deal with the loss.
The President also assured the Nigerian Air Force that his administration would continue to support it in carrying out its responsibility of protecting the country.
The crash took place in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo stating that the aircraft came down close to a naval base.
Keyamo and Tinubu identified the aircraft as an ATR-42, a twin-engine turboprop plane capable of carrying between 30 and 50 passengers.
The Nigerian Air Force, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said it immediately began a search and rescue operation following the incident.
“The Nigerian Air Force has commenced an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in Igbokoda Area of Ondo State on 5th October 2026,” Ejodame said.
The NAF said its personnel were coordinating with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies at the crash site.
Meanwhile, presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore expressed grief over the crash and urged authorities to conduct a wider investigation into the cause of the accident and Nigeria’s emergency response capabilities.
Sowore condoled with the families and loved ones of those on board, as well as affected Nigerian Air Force officers and personnel.
He said videos and images from the crash site had raised concerns about the country’s readiness to respond to major disasters. According to him, emergency response teams should be adequately equipped and able to access difficult terrain without delay.
Sowore urged a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, saying it should determine both the cause of the crash and how the emergency response was carried out.
He said the probe should look into the time taken for assistance to arrive, the equipment available to emergency responders, the difficulties encountered at the site and whether better emergency preparedness could have helped save lives.
“A disaster is tragic. Being unprepared to respond to one makes the tragedy even more painful,” Sowore said.
He said his thoughts were with everyone who was on board the aircraft, their families and the communities affected by the incident.
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