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The House of Representatives has called for an independent investigation into the fatal Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo state that reportedly claimed the lives of all 25 people on board.
The lawmakers also demanded a comprehensive audit of military aircraft and their maintenance systems to determine whether safety standards and inspection procedures were being properly followed.
The resolutions followed an urgent motion moved by Alhassan Usman, representing Kano State, during plenary on Tuesday. The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to strengthen aircraft maintenance, provide adequate funding for the military and improve operational safety.
Usman said the incident highlighted the need for sustained investment in military aviation infrastructure, maintenance and logistics to ensure the safety and operational readiness of aircraft.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force, describing the loss of military personnel as a painful tragedy for the country.
Concerns over maintenance, funding
The lawmaker raised concerns about inadequate funding, shortages of spare parts and logistical challenges, warning that these could undermine aircraft maintenance and compromise operational safety.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure the timely release of approved funds for technical inspections, routine maintenance and other operational requirements.
Usman also urged the House committees responsible for the Air Force, Aviation and Defence to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and conduct a comprehensive audit of military aircraft.
According to him, the exercise should identify safety gaps, assess existing maintenance procedures and recommend corrective measures to prevent similar incidents.
Lawmakers seek independent investigation
Supporting the motion, Donald Ojogo, representing Ondo State, called for an independent investigation, citing conflicting claims surrounding the incident.
Ojogo said an independent probe was necessary to establish the circumstances of the crash, while stressing that it should not prevent the Nigerian Air Force from conducting its own investigation.
He also commended local divers, personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency for their efforts at the crash site.
The lawmaker said the rescue teams and local volunteers had made efforts to locate and recover the victims, although no survivors had been reported.
Ojogo further observed that the aircraft crashed close to a densely populated community, suggesting that the pilot’s actions might have helped prevent greater casualties on the ground.
He also backed calls for a comprehensive audit of military aircraft and urged the Federal Government to provide adequate and timely funding for the armed forces.
Another lawmaker, Babajimi Benson, representing Lagos State, described the crash as a painful reminder of the risks military personnel face while carrying out their duties.
Benson extended his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force leadership, the bereaved families and other personnel affected by the incident. He also called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Following the debate, Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, referred the motion to the House committees on Air Force, Aviation and Defence for further legislative action.
The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
Background to the crash
The crash occurred on October 5 when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft plunged into a swamp in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to a report by Premium Times, all 25 people on board were killed in the incident.
A week after the crash, divers and rescue teams were still searching for the remains of the victims and the aircraft’s black box, which could provide investigators with critical information about the circumstances leading to the disaster.
The recovery operation had yielded aircraft fragments and human remains, but the impact of the crash and the muddy terrain reportedly complicated recovery and identification efforts.
The incident also raised concerns about possible water pollution in Igbokoda, where residents rely on the river as a major source of water. A rescue operator reportedly observed aviation fuel and oil in the water around the crash site.
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