The House of Representatives has called for an independent investigation into the October 5, 2026, Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, amid concerns over military aviation safety, aircraft maintenance and delays in releasing funds for critical operational needs.
Key Highlights
- Reps call for an independent probe into the NAF aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
- The House urges an immediate nationwide audit of military aircraft and equipment.
- Lawmakers demand timely release of funds for aircraft maintenance and spare parts.
- Rep. Donald Ojogo praises the pilot for steering the plane away from populated areas.
- The House seeks posthumous commendations for the crew and compensation for bereaved families.
The House also urged the federal government to conduct an immediate audit of military aircraft and equipment nationwide to establish their operational conditions and prevent further aviation disasters.
These resolutions were passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Donald Ojogo, representing Ondo State, during plenary on Tuesday.
The House said the proposed independent investigation should complement, rather than replace, the routine inquiry already announced by the air force.
The lawmakers further called on the federal government to ensure the timely release of approved funds for aircraft maintenance, spare parts and other essential operational requirements, warning that funding shortfalls and logistical constraints could undermine aviation safety.
They also urged the air force to strengthen its maintenance and airworthiness management systems, particularly for ageing aircraft, and ensure that only aircraft meeting prescribed safety standards were deployed for operations.
Ojogo Hails Pilot’s Final Moments
Moving the motion, Rep. Ojogo described the crash as a devastating national tragedy, saying it had drawn attention to the risks military personnel face while carrying out their duties.
He compared the incident to the 1992 Hercules air force transport aircraft crash in Ejigbo, Lagos State, which remains one of Nigeria’s most devastating military aviation disasters.
Rep. Ojogo commended local divers, the navy, officials of the Igbokoda Local Government, the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency and other state officials for their response to the crash.
Despite their efforts, he said, the impact of the incident was so severe that no one survived.
The lawmaker also praised the pilot’s handling of the aircraft in its final moments, citing eyewitness accounts that the plane attempted to manoeuvre away from densely populated areas of Igbokoda before crashing.
According to him, the pilot’s actions may have prevented further casualties on the ground.
Rep. Ojogo said the aircraft’s final impact point, opposite a fortified naval base, underscored the pilot’s professionalism in the face of the impending disaster.
The House also called for posthumous commendations for the pilot and crew in recognition of their service to the country.
It urged the federal government to provide appropriate welfare support and compensation to the bereaved families in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
Read also:
- NAF Constitute 12-Man Probe Committee Into Ondo Aircraft Crash, Death Of 25 Occupants
- 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
Rumrum Warns Of Funding Gaps
A similar motion sponsored by Rep. Alhassan Rumrum, chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, highlighted the importance of aircraft serviceability to national defence, intelligence gathering, military logistics and operational effectiveness.
Rep. Rumrum warned that inadequate funding, delayed budgetary releases, shortages of spare parts and other logistical challenges could affect aircraft availability and compromise operational safety.
He called for sustained investment in military aviation assets and stronger risk-management measures across the Armed Forces, stressing the need to address vulnerabilities exposed by the fatal crash.
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