The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) suffered a tragic loss on Monday when an ATR-42 aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. According to multiple reports from Tribune Online, Punch Newspapers, and the News Agency of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Minister of Defence have all expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident.
The Defence Headquarters was represented by Major General Samaila Uba, who, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, stated that the ‘loss is deeply regrettable.’ The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, offered its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (retd.), who visited the scene of the crash, expressed his deep sympathy to the victims’ families and commended the quick response of the emergency services. The Nigerian Air Force has not said when the facility began operating, but it is known to have been commissioned in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The ADC party has called for an audit of NAF aircraft maintenance funds after the crash, questioning the disparity between funding for presidential air fleets and military aircraft. According to Punch Newspapers, the ADC believes that the lack of proper maintenance may have contributed to the incident.
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