Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Defence Headquarters has ordered an investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search-and-rescue operations continue at the crash site.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed with military personnel and some family members on board.
Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the incident as a painful loss to the military and the nation.
Uba said the investigation was being conducted in compliance with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to establish the circumstances and cause of the accident.
He said the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with sister services and emergency response agencies, was continuing search-and-rescue efforts at the site.
The Defence Headquarters extended condolences to the families and loved ones of all those involved in the crash, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces community.
“This is indeed a painful loss to the entire Armed Forces and the nation at large. Our personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe. Their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Uba said.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained committed to their constitutional responsibility of protecting the country despite the setback.
“The sacrifice of our fallen heroes will continue to inspire our service to the nation,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the affected families while official procedures and the investigation continue.
It prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for strength for their families to bear the loss.
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