BY EDMOND ODOK – Still smarting from the tragic deaths of personnel in the ill-fated ATR-42 plane crash at Igbokoda in Ondo State, authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have commenced investigation into the causes of the unfortunate air accident.
This is as the Force has also opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other people to commiserate with it and the family members of the deceased officers.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who gave an update on the incident, regretted that no survivor had been found following the accident, which prompted the immediate activation of search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities.
According to Ehimen, on Tuesday, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, while mourning the deceased, had ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Aneke described the incident as a “deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation”, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
The Air Chief, while conveying messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased, assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during this difficult period, adding that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to refrain from speculation.
Gen Musa Orders Aggressive Safety Protocols’ Overhaul
Meanwhile, with a profound sense of grief hanging over the defense headquarters, Minister of Defence, General. Christopher Musa (Rtd) has ordered an aggressive overhaul of safety protocols to protect those serving on the front lines.
Mourning the devastating loss, Musa paid tribute to the fallen, calling them “valiant patriots” whose sudden absence inflict an irreparable wound on the military leadership, their brothers-in-arms, and a grieving nation.
The Minister further said, “A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate crash has been ordered to ascertain the cause and ensure all necessary operational safety protocols are reinforced across our military aviation units.”
He condoled with the deceased officers’ families, saying the officers and men exemplified the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the country.
The Minister said: “It is with a profound sense of grief and heavy heart that I, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, express deep sorrow over the tragic crash of our military aircraft with tail number NAF 931 involving dedicated personnel of the Armed Forces.
“This painful incident claimed the lives of brave officers and airmen who were engaged in a routine flight mission while serving our nation with courage, unyielding devotion, and selfless patriotism.
“The loss of these valiant patriots is an irreparable blow not only to the military high command and their comrades-in-arms, but to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria. These fine officers and men exemplify the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the defence of our Fatherland.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the leadership of the Armed Forces, and most especially, the immediate families, loved ones, and colleagues of our fallen heroes.
“We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour. Our hearts also go out to the families of the civilians on board the ill-fated aircraft; we share your grief. We pray that the Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal repose, and gives their families, the military community, and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
