Nigerian Air Force Confirms ATR-42 Crash in Ondo State

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when the incident occurred.

Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, stated that military personnel and some family members were onboard. The DHQ expressed shock at the news and initiated search and rescue operations immediately.

The statement indicated that the NAF was collaborating with other military services and emergency response agencies for the operations. An investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the crash, following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

The military extended condolences to the families of those involved and urged the public to avoid speculation while respecting the privacy of the affected families. The DHQ reassured Nigerians of the Armed Forces' commitment to their constitutional responsibilities despite this tragic incident.