Reps Demand Independent Probe Into NAF Aircraft Crash In Ondo

The House of Representatives has called for an independent investigation into the October 5, 2026 crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, amid calls for greater accountability and improved safety standards in military aviation.

 

The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to ensure timely release of approved funds for aircraft maintenance, spare parts and other critical operational needs to prevent funding and logistical challenges from compromising aviation safety.

 

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Donald Ojogo, representing Ondo State, during Tuesday’s resumed plenary.

 

The House said the proposed independent investigation should complement, rather than replace, the routine inquiry already announced by the Nigerian Air Force.

 

It also urged the Ministry of Defence to conduct an immediate audit of military aircraft and equipment to determine their operational condition and reduce the risk of similar accidents.

 

The lawmakers called for posthumous commendations for the pilot and crew of the ill-fated aircraft in recognition of their service. They also urged the government to provide appropriate welfare support and compensation to the bereaved families in line with applicable laws and policies.

 

The House further asked the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen its aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management systems, particularly for ageing aircraft, and ensure that only aircraft meeting prescribed safety standards were deployed for operations.

 

Moving the motion, Ojogo described the crash, which reportedly involved 25 military personnel and crew on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos, as a devastating loss to the country.

 

He said the incident had plunged the nation into mourning and highlighted the risks military personnel face while carrying out their duties.

 

“This unfortunate incident is second only to the unforgettable 1992 Hercules Air Force Transport that occurred in Ejigbo in a military air mishap,” he said.

 

Ojogo commended local divers, Nigerian Navy personnel, officials of the local government led by Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency and other state officials for their response to the crash.

 

He said their efforts could not prevent the loss of lives.

 

“Despite the timely response and selfless efforts of local divers, personnel of the Nigerian Navy, officials of the local government led by Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other State officials, the impact of the crash was devastating enough to record no survivor,” he said.

 

The lawmaker also praised the pilot’s handling of the aircraft in its final moments, citing eyewitness accounts that it had attempted to steer away from densely populated parts of Igbokoda.

 

He said the pilot’s actions may have prevented further casualties on the ground.

 

Ojogo said the aircraft’s final impact point, opposite the naval base, suggested that the pilot had tried to manoeuvre away from the town despite the emergency.

 

A similar motion sponsored by Alhassan Rumrum, representing Kano State, highlighted the importance of aircraft serviceability to national defence, intelligence gathering, military logistics and operational effectiveness.

 

Rumrum, who chairs the House Committee on Air Force, said the loss of lives underscored the need for sustained investment in military aviation assets and stronger risk-management measures across the Armed Forces.

 

He warned that inadequate funding, delayed budget releases, shortages of spare parts and other logistical difficulties could affect aircraft availability and undermine operational safety.

 

The lawmaker also acknowledged the sacrifices of military personnel undertaking hazardous assignments in the service of the country.

 

He commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force, the wider Armed Forces, and the government and people of Ondo State over the tragedy.

 

The House said the proposed independent investigation, alongside a review of military aviation assets and maintenance funding, would help establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.