DHQ Initiates Probe into Ondo Air Force Plane Mishap

The Defence Headquarters has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the recent crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft. The incident occurred close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, where search and rescue operations are currently underway. The ill-fated aircraft, which was undertaking a routine flight from Benin City en route to Lagos, had military personnel along with some of their family members on board, as confirmed by the DHQ. This tragic event near the Igbokoda Naval Base has cast a pall of sorrow over the entire military community, with the Defence Headquarters expressing profound grief, calling it a painful blow to the Armed Forces and the nation.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, announced that the investigation is being conducted in direct compliance with President Bola Tinubu's directive. The Commander-in-Chief instructed the military to establish the exact cause of the accident. "In compliance with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, an investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident, while Search and Rescue efforts by the NAF in collaboration with sister Services and emergency agencies continue at the site," the statement read.

Uba conveyed the DHQ's "deep shock" upon receiving news of the crash and extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those involved. The Defence Headquarters also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force, and the broader Armed Forces family. Uba further stated, "This is indeed a painful loss to the entire Armed Forces and the nation at large. Our personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe. Their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten."

President Tinubu himself has mourned the fallen Air Force personnel, assuring that their sacrifice will not be forgotten. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Air Force Committee urged calm, while the Agriculture Minister also expressed condolences over the military air crash.

Despite this painful setback, military authorities have reassured Nigerians that the incident will not deter the Armed Forces from fulfilling their constitutional duty of safeguarding the country. The statement affirmed, "The leadership of the Armed Forces wishes to assure all Nigerians that the Armed Forces will remain resolute and committed to our constitutional mandate of securing the nation, despite this painful setback. The sacrifice of our fallen heroes will continue to inspire our service to the nation."

The DHQ also appealed to the public to avoid speculation and to respect the privacy of the affected families during this difficult period, as official procedures are ongoing. "We appeal to the general public to refrain from speculation and to respect the privacy of the families affected in this difficult moment while official procedures continue," the statement emphasized.

The ATR-42 aircraft is a twin-engine turboprop model widely utilized for short-haul passenger, transport, and specialized operations. The Nigerian Air Force employs various aircraft for diverse missions, including the movement of personnel, logistics support, surveillance, and other military assignments. However, the DHQ's statement did not provide details regarding the exact number of individuals on board, the extent of casualties, or the precise circumstances that led to the crash. The military confirmed that joint search and rescue operations involving the NAF, sister Services, and emergency agencies are still active, with the investigation expected to determine the root cause of the accident. The Defence Headquarters concluded by offering prayers for the souls of the departed and for divine strength for their grieving families.