Deceased relative accuses military of cover-up

The Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) has called for a comprehensive review of flight safety, aircraft maintenance, airworthiness and operational procedures in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), following the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft that claimed 25 lives at Igbokoda in Ondo State on October 5, 2026.

The Institute also urged the authorities to ensure a thorough, transparent and timely investigation into the crash, stressing the need to identify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and prevent a recurrence.

In a condolence statement in Lagos, yesterday, President of INAE, Dr Charles Ebitei, expressed the Institute’s sympathy to the NAF, the families of the deceased and the nation over the loss of lives.

The Institute welcomed the presidential directive to investigate the accident, describing a comprehensive probe as necessary to establish the facts and draw lessons to strengthen aviation safety.

It said the investigation should be complemented by an assessment of existing flight safety arrangements, particularly aircraft maintenance practices, airworthiness standards and operational procedures.

According to the Institute, the circumstances surrounding the crash made it imperative for the relevant authorities to examine safety-related processes and identify any gaps that may require corrective action.

MEANWHILE, the brother of a NAF sergeant killed in the military aircraft crash in Ondo State has accused the authorities of downplaying the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, alleging that the aircraft had developed a mechanical fault before the fatal flight.

In a video circulating on social media, the grieving man, who said his sister was among the victims, said her final messages to him indicated that the aircraft had developed a technical problem and had stopped in Benin City, Edo State, for checks before continuing its journey.

He accused the NAF of presenting a misleading account of the flight as a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, insisting that the aircraft had travelled from Abuja and stopped in Benin after developing what his sister described as a “snag.”