By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

Ghana has introduced a cedi-to-yuan payment system aimed at facilitating imports from China and reducing the country’s reliance on the US dollar for trade transactions.

Stanbic Bank Ghana is currently piloting the system, while Ghana Commercial Bank is developing a similar service, according to reports.

The new arrangement allows payments to be processed through China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), enabling direct yuan payments from cedi-denominated accounts.

By bypassing the need for US correspondent banks, the system is expected to cut transaction costs and shorten processing times for China-related trade.

The move marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to diversify its payment infrastructure and strengthen trade ties with China, its largest import partner.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has announced the death of its Secretary-General, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmad, mni, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, 6th October 2026 (23 Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH). He was 70.

Born on 11 June 1956 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmad was a distinguished Islamic activist, legal practitioner, public intellectual, and administrator. He received a strong foundation in Qur’anic and Islamic education before studying law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

As Secretary-General of the SCSN, he occupied a pivotal position in the Council’s administration and strategic direction, coordinating its programmes and representing its institutional interests in engagements with government, civil society, and the media. The Council described his death as a great loss to the Nigerian Muslim community and the nation at large.

His professional career spanned Nigeria’s financial and corporate sectors. He served at the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as Director/Board Member and Corporate Secretary, and earlier at First Interstate Merchant Bank Ltd. as Secretary and Assistant General Manager.

In the Islamic banking sector, he played a leading role in establishing Nigeria’s first Islamic banking system and served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Jaiz Bank Plc.

A Member of the National Institute (mni) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, he was recognised for his contributions to national policy discourse and strategic thinking.

The Council extended its deepest condolences to his immediate family, Shurah members, relatives, colleagues, and all who knew him, praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and gives his family and the entire Ummah the strength to bear the loss.

By Haruna Sheena

We have often compared the ease of living with the national minimum wage and how much easier it is for other nations to adapt to global economic disruption because of what they earn.

Recently, the demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has once again brought the issue of workers’ salaries and the rising cost of living in Nigeria into the spotlight, when the Federal Workers Forum called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the current ₦70,000, saying it is no longer enough to meet the basic needs of workers.

Interestingly, beyond the ₦300,000 minimum wage, the forum also proposed a new salary structure that would set the highest-paid Level 17 federal officer at ₦1.5 million per month, arguing that the current salary structure does not reflect the economic situation many Nigerians face.

This demand is understandable when we look at the cost of living in the country today, especially with the more recent event where petrol inches close to ₦1,500, resulting in the price of food, transportation, accommodation, electricity, cooking gas and other basic needs making it difficult for many workers to survive on the present income scale.

This portends that a salary that seemed very reasonable barely three years ago can no longer provide the same standard of living its negotiators envisaged when they put ink to paper.

Many families now have to make difficult choices every month. Some workers may be forced to reduce the amount of food they buy, delay medical treatment, move to cheaper accommodation or depend on loans to meet their daily needs.

Parents also struggle with school fees, uniforms, books, and transportation costs for their wards’ education. These pressures show that the issue is not only about earning more money, but also about living with some level of dignity.

In 2024, the national minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour. When they agreed on that amount, they added a caveat: the deal would be reviewed every three years instead of five. This means that the next formal review is due only in 2027.

However, this raises another question. If the current wage is not supposed to be formally reviewed until 2027, why are workers already asking for an increase to ₦300,000?

I don’t think the workers are necessarily saying the government should ignore the three-year agreement. Rather, their demand can be seen as a plea for the government to consider the current economic situation before the next scheduled review.

The cost of living doesn’t wait for a particular year to change, and workers may feel their salaries are already falling behind the prices of basic necessities. So the question is whether raising the minimum wage to ₦300,000 is the best solution.

There is no doubt that a higher salary would give workers more room to support themselves and their families. It could make it easier to pay rent, transport costs, school fees, food expenses and other bills. It could also improve workers’ morale because people constantly worried about meeting their basic needs may struggle to concentrate fully on their jobs.

When workers are paid fairly, they may feel more valued and motivated to do their jobs. Better salaries can reduce the pressure that pushes some people to look for extra jobs or depend on borrowing.

In the public sector, more specifically, improved wages could also help reduce the temptation for corruption, although salary increases alone cannot completely solve that problem.

One must also bear in mind that increasing salaries alone may not solve Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. If the prices of food, transportation, housing and other necessities continue to rise, workers may eventually find themselves in the same situation again, even after receiving higher salaries.

To put things in perspective, if a worker’s salary increases but transport fares and food prices also rise as businesses try to cover higher costs, the worker may not feel much difference in the long run.

Landlords may also increase rent when they believe tenants are earning more. This is why the government needs to look beyond salaries and address some of the reasons basic goods and services are so expensive.

Importantly, the government also needs to consider whether it can comfortably afford such a large increase. Moving from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000 is a major increase, and implementing it across the public sector would have significant financial implications for both the public and private sectors.

For Nigeria as a nation, it will definitely need to balance workers’ welfare with its ability to fund other important areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

At the same time, the government should not use the same argument to ignore the difficulties workers face, because they deserve serious attention, as salaries should allow people to live reasonably and meet their basic responsibilities.

If the government cannot immediately approve the full demand, it should still engage with labour and consider other forms of support.

The discussion should not be limited to federal workers. Millions of Nigerians work in the private sector, small businesses and informal jobs, where many people earn even less than the official minimum wage. Any serious discussion about improving Nigerians’ standard of living should therefore consider workers across different sectors.

We also need to focus on reducing the cost of basic goods and services. If the government can improve transportation, electricity, local food production and other areas that directly affect household expenses, workers may be able to get more value from their salaries. Supporting farmers, improving roads and reducing the cost of moving goods could also help bring down food prices.

The ₦300,000 demand should therefore be seen as more than just a request for more money. It is also a reflection of the frustration many workers feel about their purchasing power.

The earlier three-year review agreement matters, but the current situation also shows why the government needs to watch for economic changes before the next official review date. If workers are already struggling in 2026, telling them to wait until 2027 may not address the problem they face now.

For me, the solution shouldn’t be to simply increase salaries and leave everything else unchanged. Nigeria needs a combination of higher wages and policies that ease pressure on people’s incomes. A salary increase can provide relief, but controlling the rising cost of basic necessities is what will make that relief meaningful in the long term.

The demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has opened an important conversation. The question is no longer just how much Nigerian workers earn, but how much that money can actually provide for them.

Until Nigerians can earn a reasonable income and afford basic necessities, the conversation about the country’s cost-of-living crisis will continue.

Sheena Haruna is a 300-level Mass Communication student at Bingham University. She can be reached at: sheena123haruna@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday reportedly disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Benin City, Edo State.

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was on its way to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am.

A senior Air Traffic Controller familiar with the aircraft’s final journey disclosed that communication with the aircraft was established shortly after take-off before contact was lost.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the incident, said attempts to re-establish communication with the aircraft failed.

“I must tell you that this is looking somehow shoddy. When the aircraft took off, we were in touch with it shortly afterward, but it disappeared from the radar. Efforts to reach it were unsuccessful,” the source said.

According to the source, personnel at reporting points around Okitipupa later heard a loud sound believed to have come from the crash.

The disappearance of the aircraft prompted the military to commence search-and-rescue efforts.

The air traffic controller said the circumstances remained unclear and that further details would emerge after the rescue and recovery operations.

“But it was strange. Almost immediately after it took off, we lost communication with it. There was no communication, nothing. And that makes it suspicious. The aircraft just vanished until the crash.

“Even as we speak, the search-and-rescue operation is still ongoing, and when that is concluded, I should be able to get more information,” the source said.

He further described the loss of communication as suspicious but expressed hope that the circumstances would become clearer.

“The loss of communication is very suspicious, but God will help us anyway. It is very possible for us to get clearer information as things unfold,” the source added.

Keyamo Confirms Aircraft Disappearance

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed that air traffic controllers had alerted him about the missing aircraft.

“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,” Keyamo said.

The minister later announced that the wreckage had been found close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

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

Keyamo disclosed that 32 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.

At the time of filing this report, the identities of those on board had not been officially released.

Difficult Terrain Hampers Rescue

The aircraft reportedly crashed into a swamp within the creek, which made access to the wreckage difficult.

Military personnel from a nearby base took charge of the rescue effort, while local fishermen joined the operation because of the difficult terrain.

An eyewitness told The PUNCH, “I could see the military men in the area while some local fishermen too were helping out, but it seems difficult to remove the wreckage because the plane forcefully entered into the swampy area.”

Another resident, who identified himself as Sola, said the incident occurred during rainfall.

Sola said, “It happened this (Monday) morning, when it was drizzling. We heard a very loud sound at the area where the incident happened, but we couldn’t get there because the place is a swampy area inside the creek. We were just looking at it from afar.

“However, the police and the military people later came around for rescue, but the occupants of the aircraft may have died inside because up till this time I’m speaking with you, nobody has been removed from there, dead or alive. Initially, we thought it was a helicopter, but later we learnt that it is an aircraft.”

NAF Launches Search And Rescue Operation

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it had activated a search-and-rescue operation.

The statement partly read, “The NAF has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026.

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.

“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”

Police Commence Investigation

The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed that an investigation into the crash had commenced.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the police were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Ondo State Police Command confirms the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, 5th October 2026. Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, as efforts to establish the full circumstances continue.”

Jimoh appealed to residents in Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid the spread of unverified information.

“The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available,” he stated.

Monarch Reports No Survivor

The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, described the crash as unfortunate and said he instructed palace officials to proceed to the site after receiving information about the incident.

“I was in court when the incident happened, and I directed some of my palace officials to visit the site. At that time, nobody could determine whether it was an aircraft or a helicopter.

“I was worried because it must not be a plane, because the number of casualties would be just too high. Our first thanks to Almighty God is that it did not happen inside the town; otherwise, the casualties would have been too many.

“The aircraft crashed into the river and a swampy area. It was raining when the incident happened, and the place was waterlogged. The aircraft did not catch fire, but a substantial part of it has gone into the water. We cannot describe the exact situation for now, but from my investigation and what we have gathered so far, there was no survivor.”

Aiyedatiwa Expresses Sadness

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State expressed grief over the crash and said relevant state agencies had been activated to support the rescue operation.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor said he had communicated with the Nigerian Air Force leadership, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies at the scene.

“The governor has received with deep sadness the news of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of today, Monday, October 5, 2026.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expresses his heartfelt sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

“The governor has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies on the ground.”

The governor also said no survivor had been found after the crash.

Speaking on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa said he received information about the incident at about 10:30am after the local government chairman contacted him.

“When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So, they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people.

“But from the information we got, no single life was saved up to this moment. They could not see any living soul that was in that aircraft. But they saw the ruins, some of the wreckage from the wings of the aircraft, you know, some ID cards, I was told, and then uniforms. That was when they knew it was a military aircraft,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa described the incident as painful, particularly because the crash occurred in his home state and local government area.

Tinubu Orders Investigation

President Bola Tinubu also expressed sadness over the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos before it crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda.

The President sympathised with the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force.

“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 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.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search-and-Rescue operation following the accident. 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.

“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.”

Black Box, Weather And Aircraft Condition Under Scrutiny

Attention has now shifted to the aircraft’s flight recorder, commonly referred to as the black box, which had not been recovered as of the time of filing this report.

The device could provide investigators with important information about the aircraft’s final moments, including flight parameters and cockpit communications.

The National Safety Investigation Bureau has indicated its readiness to support the recovery and analysis of the flight recorder if requested by the military.

Investigators are expected to examine several sources of evidence, including the wreckage, air traffic control records, weather information, maintenance records and eyewitness accounts.

Some witnesses claimed that the aircraft made several circles before it went down as the rainfall increased. That account has not been independently verified and has not been confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force.

Weather conditions are expected to form part of the investigation. Authorities may also examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, technical condition, flight path, communication with air traffic controllers and the actions of the crew.

The location of the crash also created initial uncertainty about the type of aircraft involved. Igbokoda is a coastal and oil-producing community in Ilaje Local Government Area, where aircraft are sometimes used for offshore and oil-related activities.

Some residents initially described the incident as a helicopter crash.

The Nigerian Air Force, however, confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42 fixed-wing military aircraft. There is no official information linking the aircraft to an oil-related operation.

Military personnel, police officers, emergency responders and local fishermen remained at the crash site as efforts continued to recover the victims and secure the wreckage.

The exact cause of the crash remains unknown. Authorities are expected to provide further information after the search, recovery and investigation processes make progress.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The management of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, has dismissed reports that 18 of its students were abducted by suspected terrorists while travelling to Oyo State.

The institution described the report as false and misleading, insisting that none of its students was kidnapped and that all of them were safe.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the college’s Registrar, Bello Abdulrahman.

The management was reacting to a report published by Sahara Reporters on October 5, 2026, which claimed that 18 students of the institution were abducted while travelling to Oyo State.

The report also alleged that the driver of the vehicle conveying the students was killed.

However, the college rejected the claims and said they did not represent what happened.

“The College wishes to categorically state that the said report is FALSE, MISLEADING and does not reflect the true situation.”

The management further stated, “No student of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, was kidnapped, and there was no such incident involving our students.”

According to the institution, the students had reached their respective destinations safely and were continuing with their academic and professional activities.

The statement described the students as “safe, sound and currently in their various destinations, pursuing their academic and professional programmes as planned.”

The college called on parents, guardians, students and members of the public to disregard the report and stop further circulation of the claim.

“We urge the general public, parents, guardians and all stakeholders to disregard the fake news and avoid sharing it further,” the statement said.

The management also assured students, parents and other stakeholders that their safety and welfare remained a priority.

It said the institution would continue to cooperate with relevant security agencies to maintain a secure environment for teaching, learning and professional training.

The college advised members of the public who require information about its activities and students to rely on its official communication channels.

The institution’s statement has therefore contradicted the reported abduction, with the management maintaining that all its students are safe and accounted for.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued two people from armed terrorists during a patrol along the Anka–Gadan Manya Road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The rescue occurred on October 4 after the soldiers encountered armed terrorists attacking two people who were travelling on a motorcycle.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment officially on the operation, said the troops responded immediately after sighting the attack.

“The troops were on routine patrol when they spotted armed terrorists attacking two people travelling on a motorcycle,” the source said.

According to the source, the soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat, leaving the two victims behind.

“The soldiers immediately moved in and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims.”

The troops subsequently evacuated the victims to safety.

Following the operation, security personnel reportedly increased patrols along the Anka–Gadan Manya axis to prevent further attacks and restrict the movement of terrorists in the area.

“The troops have intensified patrols in the area to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents,” the reliable source added.

The successful intervention comes amid continuing security concerns along some roads in Zamfara State, where armed groups have carried out attacks and abductions.

The rescue also highlights the role of routine military patrols in responding to attacks and protecting civilians travelling through vulnerable areas.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that Nigeria’s national register of voters has exceeded 103 million ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday at a strategic workshop for editors organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in collaboration with the electoral commission in Abuja.

According to Amupitan, the latest figure followed the completion of the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise and the final biometric verification of newly registered voters.

He said the CVR exercise generated 10,772,421 new registrations, which were subjected to verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System.

“Following the conclusion of our three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which captured over 10.6 million new applicants, and the completion of the public display of the preliminary register for claims and objections, our Voter Register Department has completed the final Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) cleanup.

Nigeria’s National Register of Voters is now over 103 million,” he declared.

The latest figure represents a rise from the more than 93 million voters previously recorded by the commission.

In August, INEC had projected that the register would cross the 100 million mark after the completion of the CVR exercise.

The commission had also said in September that the register was “approaching the 100 million mark” following the addition of 10,772,421 new registrations subject to biometric verification.

PVC Collection Begins October 9

Amupitan announced that nationwide collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards will begin on Friday, October 9, 2026.

He said the commission had completed the processing and distribution of the first batch of PVCs to local government centres ahead of the exercise.

The INEC chairman called on the media to provide citizens with accurate information about collection centres and encourage eligible voters to collect their cards.

INEC Acquires 57,000 New BVAS Devices

The commission is also strengthening its technological infrastructure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amupitan disclosed that INEC had acquired 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices.

He said the devices had undergone software hardening, battery optimisation and biometric calibration to strengthen accreditation and prevent manipulation.

“We have instituted hardware, software, and cybersecurity enhancements across our technological architecture. We have acquired 57,000 new BVAS for optimal performance.

“The devices have undergone extensive software hardening, battery optimisation, and biometric calibration to prevent accreditation bypass and eliminate manual manipulation,” the INEC chairman stated.

The upgrades are part of preparations for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, as well as the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet on Monday.

The president also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.

According to a State House statement, the aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. It was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

Tinubu, who expressed profound sadness over the crash, sent a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and to all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

“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.

He said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and that he had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.

Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.

The Air Force will release the names of the deceased personnel after contacting their families, the statement added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Lagos for Abuja this evening, ending a six-day visit to Nigeria’s former seat of government.

Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, after spending his annual vacation in London and Paris.

While in Lagos, the President addressed the nation on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day anniversary. Later that day, he attended the National Premiere of MKO, a documentary on the life, political struggle and enduring legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and the historic June 12 pro-democracy struggle. The event was held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

On Sunday, President Tinubu visited the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, at his Iga Iduganran Palace on Lagos Island.

The President’s return to Abuja was announced in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into Monday morning’s crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, according to a State House statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, as well as to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

“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.

He said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the crash and that he had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into its cause to prevent future occurrences.

Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation after the accident. He also praised the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.

The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and asked God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the loss.

He assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as it continues its vital role in securing the nation.