Reps Demand Investigation into NAF Plane Crash that Killed Military Personnel

The House of Representatives has asked for an independent investigation into the Nigerian Air Force plane crash that killed several military personnel.

They also want a thorough check of military aircraft and their maintenance systems.

This call came on Tuesday during a meeting after Alhassan Usman (APC, Kano) raised an urgent motion about the crash. He urged the federal government to improve aircraft maintenance, provide enough funding for the military, and enhance safety during operations.

The motion followed the crash in Ondo State, which led to search-and-rescue efforts involving local divers and security agencies. Sadly, there were no survivors.

Mr Usman said losing military personnel shows the need for continuous investment in military aviation, aircraft upkeep, and the support to keep military planes safe and operational.

He expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and the Nigerian Air Force, calling the incident a huge loss for the country.

Mr Usman pointed out issues like poor funding, lack of spare parts, and logistical problems. He warned these issues could hurt aircraft maintenance and safety during operations.

He urged the federal government to provide the military with the necessary resources and ensure timely release of funds for inspections, maintenance, and other operational needs.

Mr Usman also called for a full review of the Nigerian Air Force's aircraft and maintenance systems to check if safety standards and inspection rules are being followed.

He asked the committees in the House that handle the Air Force, aviation, and defence to look into what happened during the crash and audit military aircraft to find safety issues and suggest fixes.

Lawmakers Demand Independent Investigation

During the discussion, Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) supported the motion but called for an independent investigation into the crash. He said the surrounding circumstances need more examination.

"I want to plead that, because of the various claims and counterclaims that have come on the heels of this very important and unfortunate incident, there is a need for us to institute an independent probe," Mr Ojogo said.

He added that this investigation should not stop the Nigerian Air Force from conducting its own inquiry.

Mr Ojogo praised local divers, Nigerian Navy personnel at their Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency for their work at the crash site.

He noted that these agencies and local volunteers tried hard to find and recover the victims, but no survivors were found.

The lawmaker mentioned that the aircraft crashed near a busy area in Igbokoda, suggesting that the pilot’s actions may have helped avoid more casualties on the ground.

"We have to give kudos to the pilot of the aircraft," he said, noting the crash happened close to a populated community.

Mr Ojogo also supported the call for a full audit of military aircraft and asked the government to ensure proper and timely funding for the armed forces.

Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) also backed the motion. He called the crash a painful reminder of the dangers military personnel face while on duty.

"Everyone lost to the tragedy, not only for the families that have been bereaved by their death, but also for the Nigerian Air Force and our country as a whole," Mr Benson said.

He sent his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force leadership, families of the deceased, and others affected by the incident.

Mr Benson called for a detailed investigation, stressing that the circumstances of the crash must be clarified.

After the debate, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen sent the motion to the House committees on Air Force, Aviation, and Defence for further action.

Background to the Crash

The crash happened on October 5 when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft went down in a swamp in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board, according to a PREMIUM TIMES report published on Tuesday.

A week after the crash, divers and rescue teams were still looking for the victims’ remains and the aircraft’s black box, which could help investigators understand what happened.

The search teams found parts of the aircraft and human remains. But the crash's impact and the muddy ground made recovery and identification hard.

The crash also raised worries about possible water pollution in Igbokoda, where residents depend on the river for water. A rescue operator noted aviation fuel and oil were seen in the water around the crash site.