President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is returning to Abuja after a six-day stay in Lagos, bringing to a close a visit during which he marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and attended other national engagements, even as he ordered an immediate investigation into Monday’s Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, announced on Monday that Tinubu would depart Lagos for Abuja in the evening after spending six days in the former seat of the Federal Government.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, following his return from a working vacation in Europe, during which he spent time in London and Paris. His return to Nigeria came ahead of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence anniversary.
While in Lagos, the President addressed Nigerians on October 1 to mark Independence Day and also attended the national premiere of “MKO,” a documentary chronicling the life, political struggle and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the June 12 pro-democracy movement.
Tinubu also visited the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, at the Iga Iduganran Palace on Lagos Island on Sunday before preparations for his return to Abuja.
His departure from Lagos, however, coincided with a national tragedy following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission when it crashed in a swampy area near the naval base on Monday. Aviation authorities said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.
President Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and identify measures necessary to prevent a recurrence.
“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,” the President said in a statement issued by Onanuga.
Tinubu said he had already been briefed by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and had directed the Air Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“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,” he said.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search-and-rescue operation following the crash, as well as emergency responders and the Ondo State Government for their intervention at the scene.
He extended condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, as well as to the Chief of the Air Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss,” Tinubu said.
He assured the Air Force of the continued support of his administration as it carries out its responsibility of protecting the country.
Earlier, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, said air traffic controllers lost communication with the military aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. while it was travelling to Lagos from Benin.
Keyamo said efforts to establish radio contact with the aircraft failed before information subsequently emerged that it had crashed close to the naval base in Igbokoda. Its wreckage was located and search-and-rescue operations immediately commenced.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to provide personnel and logistical support for the rescue operation. He ordered that the crash site be secured to enable emergency personnel to carry out their work.
The Ondo State Police Command similarly urged residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while emergency and security agencies continued operations in the area.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
