Ondo Plane Crash: Makinde Demands Probe, Questions Military Welfare Under Tinubu

The campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation said the crash raised serious questions about the equipment, safety and welfare of Nigeria’s military and other security agencies.

The ATR-42 aircraft crashed near the Igbokoda Naval Base in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday while reportedly operating a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.

The Nigerian Air Force later said 25 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members. All those on board were reported dead.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the campaign organisation expressed condolences to the families of the victims and commended military personnel for their service and sacrifice.

However, it questioned the state of military equipment and welfare under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly against the background of previous military aircraft crashes.

The organisation recalled the August 2023 crash of a Nigerian Air Force helicopter in Shiroro, Niger State, during a casualty evacuation mission involving wounded troops.

It argued that the latest incident should prompt a broader review of how military personnel are equipped, trained and supported.

The campaign organisation said the recurring crashes raised concerns about whether the resources available to the Federal Government were being adequately translated into improved safety and welfare for personnel.

It also said a Makinde-Daura administration would make the equipping, training and wellbeing of the military and other security agencies a priority.

The call comes after President Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. The Defence Headquarters has also ordered an investigation into the incident.

The campaign organisation urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation establishes what caused the crash and identifies measures needed to prevent a recurrence.

The incident has triggered three days of national mourning, with President Tinubu directing that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.