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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) supports President Bola Tinubu’s directive to conduct an investigation into the Nigerian Air Force plane crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Christian body urged the authorities handling the investigation to ensure that the exercise is carried out in a thorough, professional and transparent manner, with all safety recommendations arising from the investigation being fully implemented.
CAN made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, following the crash of a NAF ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The plane was reportedly on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when the incident occurred. Military personnel and some of their family members were among those on board the ship.
Following the accident, Defense Headquarters ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident while search and rescue efforts continued at the scene.
Director of Defense Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations were being carried out as directed by Commander-in-Chief President Bola Tinubu to determine the cause of the accident.
Reacting to the tragedy, Okoh said CAN received the news with sadness, while conveying the condolences of the association to the families of the victims, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Ondo State Government.
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He said, “We urge that the investigation be conducted thoroughly, professionally and transparently, and that its findings and safety recommendations receive the necessary attention.
“The men and women of our Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices to serve our country. Their families also bear the burden of those sacrifices. At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers especially go to the bereaved families and their comrades in the Nigerian Air Force.”
The CAN President welcomed the decision to investigate the accident, and stressed that determining the cause of the incident will be important in preventing similar tragedies.
Okoh also called for renewed attention to aviation safety, particularly standards governing military aviation, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response.
He said, “Every life lost is precious. Therefore, we must continue to strengthen aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response systems, especially for the benefit of personnel who carry out difficult tasks on behalf of the country.”
The CAN President further appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for the families of the victims and members of the Nigerian Air Force as they come to terms with the loss.
He added, “May God grant eternal rest to those who died, comfort to those who mourn, and wisdom to all those charged with the responsibility of protecting life.”
