The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established a 12-member board of inquiry to investigate the aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all 25 people on board.
Key Highlights
- NAF sets up a 12-member board of inquiry into the Ondo aircraft crash.
- The ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed on October 5 on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
- All 25 occupants, five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.
- Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, ordered a comprehensive investigation.
- The Senate is to examine budgetary provisions for the maintenance of military aircraft.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931, reportedly crashed on October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
The incident occurred around Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, prompting search-and-rescue efforts involving military personnel and other relevant authorities.
The air force subsequently confirmed that all 25 occupants, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.
Air Chief Orders Comprehensive Investigation
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The inquiry is expected to examine the events leading to the crash and identify any factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
However, the cause of the accident has not been officially established.
The incident has renewed attention on the safety of military aircraft, maintenance procedures and funding for the Nigerian Air Force’s aviation operations.
Read also:
- Nigerians Demand Truth As Victim’s Brother Questions NAF Account Of Ondo Crash
- NAF Opens Investigation as Recovery Team Struggles to Retrieve ATR-42 Crash Victims in Ondo
- Navy Deploys Sonar To Locate Submerged NAF Aircraft In Ondo
- Reps Seek Independent Probe Into Fatal NAF Plane Crash
Senate To Review Aircraft Maintenance Funding
The Senate has also resolved to examine budgetary provisions for the maintenance of military aircraft following concerns about recurring aircraft accidents.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered an investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning in honour of the victims.
The establishment of the 12-member board is expected to advance efforts to determine what happened and provide answers to questions surrounding the tragedy.
The NAF has urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information as investigations continue.
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