The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for a thorough, professional and transparent investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash near Igbokoda, Ondo State, urging authorities to implement the findings and safety recommendations.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the appeal in a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the government and people of Ondo State.
The association’s intervention follows Monday’s crash of an ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission. The Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died.
CAN Calls for Action on Aviation Safety
Okoh said the circumstances surrounding the accident must be fully established and that the investigation’s findings should receive the attention necessary to prevent further tragedies.
He called for improved aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response systems, particularly for personnel undertaking difficult assignments.
Emergency procedures have also featured in The Bureau Journal’s international aviation coverage, including its report on a flight diversion to Saudi Arabia following an onboard incident.
CAN’s latest appeal focuses on establishing what happened in the Ondo crash and ensuring that any identified safety shortcomings are addressed.
Investigation Ordered Into Fatal Crash
President Bola Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the accident. The Defence Headquarters also said an investigation would be conducted in compliance with the President’s directive.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has separately explained that it would require a formal invitation from the military before participating in the investigation.
The cause of the crash has not been established in the statements reviewed. CAN’s call for stronger maintenance and operational safeguards represents its recommendations for improving safety, rather than a finding about what caused the accident.
Okoh Offers Prayers for Bereaved Families
The CAN president said the sacrifices of military personnel and the burdens carried by their families should not be forgotten.
He urged Nigerians to remember the affected families and the Air Force in their prayers, asking God to grant eternal rest to the deceased and comfort to their loved ones.
The association urged authorities to ensure that the investigation produces both a clear account of the tragedy and safety recommendations that receive practical attention.
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