Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the military aircraft crash that occurred in Ondo State on Monday.
The crash, which involved a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, resulted in the deaths of several military personnel and civilians on board.
Musa, in a statement issued on Monday, said the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and help strengthen safety measures across the country’s military aviation units.
He described the incident as a deeply painful loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation.
According to him, “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.”
The minister said the deceased officers and airmen represented the values of professionalism, loyalty and dedication to national service.
He expressed condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased personnel.
Musa also sympathised with the families of the civilians who were on board the aircraft, saying the military shared in their grief.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and strength for their families and the wider military community.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State shortly after 9am on Monday.
Following the incident, President Tinubu declared three days of national mourning in honour of the victims and directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country.
The President described the crash as a painful moment for the Armed Forces, noting that military personnel continue to risk their lives in the service of the nation.
