By Zakaa Lazarus
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it has received with shock the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The DHQ said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos with military personnel and family members on board.
Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
“On behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all persons involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces family,” he said.
Uba described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, noting that personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe.
He said in compliance with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, an investigation would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident.
He added that search and rescue efforts by the NAF, in collaboration with sister services and emergency agencies, were ongoing at the crash site.
“The leadership of the Armed Forces wishes to assure all Nigerians that the Armed Forces will remain resolute and committed to our constitutional mandate of securing the nation, despite this painful setback. The sacrifice of our fallen heroes will continue to inspire our service to the nation,” he said.
Uba appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and to respect the privacy of the affected families while official procedures continue.
