Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Nigerian Air Force has commenced a comprehensive investigation into Monday’s military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery teams continue efforts to locate the wreckage and remains of those on board.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 operated by the NAF, crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, during a flight from Lagos to Benin City. Twenty-five people were on board, according to the Air Force.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had ordered a full investigation into the incident.
He explained that the Air Force would follow its established aircraft accident investigation procedures and release the findings when the preliminary investigation was concluded.
The investigation is being conducted alongside recovery operations, which have been complicated by the difficult terrain and dense vegetation around the crash site.
A military source said specialists involved in aircraft accident investigations were already participating in the recovery operation, noting that evidence recovered from the site would form part of the investigation.
The source said a private construction company had deployed specialised amphibious equipment to clear vegetation and create access to the submerged aircraft.
The main fuselage had yet to be recovered as of Wednesday, while Navy personnel, divers, emergency agencies and local volunteers continued searching the area.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, visited the crash site on Wednesday and directed that search and recovery efforts be intensified.
Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a national tragedy and said the swampy terrain had significantly hampered rescue and recovery operations.
He said body parts, clothing, personal belongings and aircraft components had been recovered from the area, but the main body of the aircraft remained submerged.
The governor ordered the deployment of two amphibious machines to open access through the waterways and enable larger boats and recovery equipment to reach the crash site.
The Nigerian Navy has also deployed specialised sonar equipment from its Hydrographic Department to search the mapped underwater area and locate the submerged wreckage.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the sonar was being used because of the poor visibility caused by the highly turbid swamp water.
FG Plans Aviation Safety Collaboration
The crash has also prompted renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation authorities.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed on Wednesday that the Federal Government would establish a joint framework involving the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Air Force.
Keyamo made the disclosure during a condolence visit to the Chief of Air Staff.
He said the proposed collaboration would focus on areas including airworthiness, certification, training and other aviation safety matters.
According to the minister, civil and military aviation authorities must work more closely because both sectors share responsibility for protecting lives and maintaining aviation safety.
Keyamo said Air Force personnel would be allowed to participate in relevant training programmes organised by civil aviation authorities, while military aviation experts could also share their expertise with the civil sector.
The Chief of Air Staff welcomed the initiative, saying both institutions had a responsibility to improve aviation safety and protect Nigerians.
Calls for Broader Investigation
Former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, has called for a wider review of the Nigerian Air Force’s aircraft fleet, maintenance procedures and operational practices.
Ejiofor said the frequency of military aircraft crashes in recent years warranted a broader assessment beyond determining the immediate cause of the Igbokoda incident.
He also raised concerns over conflicting reports about the number of people aboard the aircraft, stressing the need for accurate record-keeping and reliance on the official passenger manifest.
The NAF spokesman, however, clarified that 25 people were on board, comprising five active crew members and two additional personnel who were classified as crew but were travelling as passengers.
Ejodame also dismissed speculation that the aircraft was outdated, saying it was acquired around 2010 and had been properly maintained.
Ejiofor urged investigators to recover the aircraft’s flight recorders, popularly known as black boxes, saying they could provide crucial information about what happened before the crash.
He cautioned against drawing conclusions from reports of a loud sound before the aircraft went down, stressing that the investigation must determine whether the sound resulted from an explosion or the impact.
Nation Mourns Victims
The crash has triggered widespread condolences from political leaders, traditional rulers and residents across the country.
President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the deaths and ordered a full investigation into the incident. He also declared three days of national mourning for the victims.
Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, described the crash as a painful loss to the nation and sympathised with the families of the victims and the Armed Forces.
The Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, also expressed condolences to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Air Force and the bereaved families.
Abia State leaders equally mourned the death of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, an indigene of the state who was among those killed in the crash.
As recovery operations continue, authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Leave a Reply