Ondo crash: all 32 believed dead as Tinubu orders Air Force probe

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Air Force to investigate Monday’s aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as reports indicate that all 32 people aboard are believed dead.

The aircraft carried 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Tinubu sent condolences to their families and the Air Force in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Premium Times reported that the presidential statement indicated the deaths of those aboard. Channels Television separately quoted an unnamed military source as confirming that all 32 died.

The president said Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke had briefed him. He directed the Air Force to begin a thorough investigation immediately to establish the cause and prevent a recurrence.

Tinubu also commended the Air Force for activating search and rescue operations, alongside first responders and the Ondo State Government’s response at the crash site. He pledged continued support for the force and prayed for the bereaved families.

The Air Force identified the plane as an ATR-42. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had earlier said it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda after air traffic controllers lost contact with it.

NaijaTrend reported Keyamo’s preliminary passenger count and the rescue operation here. At that stage, the number of casualties had not been determined.

Sources: Premium Times, Channels Television