The Christian Association of Nigeria on Tuesday backed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, urging authorities to ensure that the probe is thorough, professional and transparent.
CAN also called for the implementation of the safety recommendations that would emerge from the investigation, stressing the need to strengthen aviation safety and protect military personnel undertaking assignments on behalf of the country.
The association made the call in a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, following the crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The aircraft, which was flying from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission, had military personnel and some members of their families on board when it crashed.
The Defence Headquarters had ordered an investigation into the incident as search and rescue operations continued at the crash site.
The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the probe was being conducted in compliance with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, to establish the cause of the accident.
Reacting to the incident, Okoh said CAN received the news with sadness and extended condolences to the families of the deceased personnel, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Ondo State Government.
He said, “We urge that the investigation be thorough, professional and transparent, and that its findings and safety recommendations receive the necessary attention.
“The men and women of our Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices in the service of our nation. Their families also bear the weight of those sacrifices. At this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are particularly with the bereaved families and their colleagues in the Nigerian Air Force.”
The CAN president welcomed the decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Okoh also stressed the importance of improving safety standards in the aviation sector, particularly for military operations.
He said, “Every life lost is precious. We must therefore continue to strengthen aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response systems, particularly in the interest of personnel who undertake difficult assignments on behalf of the nation.”
The CAN president urged Nigerians to remember the affected families and the Nigerian Air Force in their prayers.
He added, “May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort to the bereaved, and wisdom to all those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives.”
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