Olugbo Mourns NAF Crash Victims, Calls for Thorough Investigation

The Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, has condoled with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Air Force and the families of military personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The monarch also called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash, which involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.

A statement issued on Thursday by his spokesman, Dr Ademibo Akingboye, said Akinruntan was deeply saddened by the loss of the military personnel and urged the authorities to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.

“I commiserate with the families of the military personnel who lost their lives in the aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State,” the monarch said.

“I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Government and the grieving families of the fallen heroes,” he added, while calling on the Federal Government and the Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The ATR-42 aircraft crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda with 25 people on board. As of Thursday, the aircraft had not been removed from the crash site.

Akinruntan prayed for the repose of the victims and urged Nigerians to support the bereaved families during what he described as a painful period.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier said there was no confirmed survivor from the crash. He disclosed during an interview with Channels Television that residents, security personnel and emergency responders had searched the crash site without finding any survivor.

The monarch’s call for an investigation comes as attention remains focused on determining the cause of the military aircraft accident and ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the loss of the personnel are fully established.