Haamaundu conveys condolences to Nigeria over air crash

Mr Haamaundu delivered the message yesterday when a delegation from the Nigerian Armed Forces, led by Commodore Usman Mainasara Bugaje, paid a courtesy call on him.

The crash involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo said air traffic controllers had reported the aircraft missing after attempts to contact it failed.

“I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Mr Keyamo said in a statement issued on October 5.

He further disclosed that the wreckage had been located near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

“Subsequently information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and called for an investigation into its cause.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

He added: “The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.”

President Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations following the crash and expressed condolences to the families of those who died.

The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that 25 people were on board the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivors were reported.