Sowore Visits Ondo Crash Site, Demands Independent Probe

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) politician Omoyele Sowore has demanded an independent investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all 25 people reportedly confirmed aboard.

The crash occurred on Monday, October 5, when an Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, operating under registration number NAF 931, went down in a swamp near the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it.

Sowore called for a thorough investigation into both the circumstances surrounding the crash and the response by relevant authorities. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force.

His demand comes amid growing calls from political groups, lawyers and civil society stakeholders for an inquiry that will establish what caused the disaster and determine whether any technical or operational failures contributed to it.

The Nigerian Air Force has constituted a high-level investigative panel comprising military personnel and civilian aviation safety experts. The team is expected to examine the available evidence and establish the circumstances that led to the crash.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, visited the crash site on Thursday and assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally. He also appealed to Nigerians to avoid speculation while recovery and investigative operations continue.

The difficult terrain has complicated efforts to retrieve the wreckage and victims’ remains. The aircraft is believed to have become submerged in the swamp, prompting authorities to deploy additional equipment and technical support.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has said it can provide technical assistance if formally invited by the military, noting that military aviation accidents fall outside its direct statutory mandate.

President Bola Tinubu has also ordered a thorough investigation and declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy.

Sowore’s call adds to mounting pressure for transparency, accountability and stronger military aviation safety measures as investigators work to determine the cause of the crash.