All 32 individuals on a Nigerian military aircraft that went down on Monday are thought to have perished.
The report of the fatalities comes from a statement issued by President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga titled the communique “President Tinubu mourns NAF personnel in Ondo jet crash…,” noting that the president “expressed profound sadness over the crash.”
Premium Times reported that the aircraft went down in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.airforce.mil.ng) later clarified that the plane was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“The President extends his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members, to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and to all officers, airmen and airwomen of the [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.airforce.mil.ng),” the statement read.
He further quoted President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) as expressing sorrow over the incident.
“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 reported to have said.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.airforce.mil.ng) to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” the president added.
“I commend the [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.airforce.mil.ng) for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident,” he continued.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and ask Almighty God to grant their families and the [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.airforce.mil.ng) the fortitude to bear this tragic loss,” Tinubu said.
“I assure the [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.airforce.mil.ng) of the continued support of our administration as they carry out their vital role in safeguarding our nation,” the president affirmed.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” Tinubu concluded.