The Defence Headquarters has launched an investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as military and emergency teams continue search and rescue operations at the site.
The aircraft was flying from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. The DHQ said military personnel and some family members were on board.
The incident has left the Armed Forces mourning, with the military describing the crash as a major loss to the nation and its personnel.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said on Tuesday that the probe was ordered in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to determine what caused the accident.
He said the Nigerian Air Force was working with other military services and emergency agencies to search the crash site and locate those affected by the incident.
The DHQ said it received news of the crash with “deep shock” and offered condolences to the families and loved ones of those involved.
Uba also expressed sympathy to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and members of the wider Armed Forces community.
“This is indeed a painful loss to the entire Armed Forces and the nation at large,” he said, stressing that the sacrifices of military personnel serving to protect the country would not be forgotten.
The military leadership also reaffirmed its commitment to its constitutional duty of protecting Nigeria despite the setback.
The DHQ urged the public to avoid speculation about the circumstances surrounding the crash and allow the investigation and other official procedures to take their course. It also appealed for respect for the privacy of the affected families.
The military has yet to disclose how many people were aboard the aircraft, the number of casualties or details of the events leading to the crash.
The ATR-42 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft used for short-distance transport and specialized operations. The Nigerian Air Force deploys aircraft for various duties, including personnel transportation, logistics, surveillance and other military assignments.
While rescue teams continue their work at the crash site, the investigation is expected to provide more details on the circumstances that led to the accident.
The DHQ also prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives and for strength for their families as they cope with the tragedy.
