Senate Investigates Ondo Aircraft Crash, Urges Safety Audit

The Senate has initiated a probe into the October 5 crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals, including 25 passengers and seven crew members. Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, sponsored the motion during a plenary session.

The Senate has mandated its committees on Air Force and Aviation to conduct an urgent oversight visit to the crash site, engage with NAF authorities, and perform a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of military aircraft. Additionally, the Senate has called for a thorough investigation by the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) into the crash's causes.

Lawmakers expressed concerns regarding military aviation safety and maintenance culture, urging the government to prioritize funding for aircraft maintenance and replacement. The Senate observed a minute's silence for the victims and extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the families affected.

The aircraft involved was an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, which lost contact during a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.