Ondo NAF Crash: Military Begins Investigation, Rescue Efforts Ongoing
The Defence Headquarters has ordered an investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search and rescue operations continue at the scene. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos and was carrying military personnel and some family members, according to the Defence Headquarters. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the investigation was being conducted in compliance with a directive from President Bola Tinubu to establish the cause of the accident. He said the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with other military services and emergency agencies, was continuing search and rescue efforts at the crash site. The Defence Headquarters described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation and expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those involved. It also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces community.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the incident would not deter the Armed Forces from carrying out their constitutional responsibility of protecting the country. It appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of affected families while official procedures are ongoing. The DHQ did not disclose the number of people aboard the aircraft, the extent of casualties or details surrounding the crash, saying the ongoing investigation would establish what led to the accident. The ATR-42 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft commonly used for short-haul passenger, transport and specialised operations, while the Nigerian Air Force operates aircraft for personnel movement, logistics, surveillance and other military assignments. The military said search and rescue operations involving the NAF, sister Services and emergency agencies were still underway and prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives and strength for their families to bear the loss.
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