The Christian Association of Nigeria has backed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
CAN called for the probe to be thorough, professional and transparent, urging the authorities to implement the safety recommendations that would emerge from the investigation.
The association made the call in a statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Tuesday following the crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
- The Christian Association of Nigeria has backed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
- CAN called for the probe to be thorough, professional and transparent, urging the authorities to implement the safety recommendations that would emerge from the investigation.
The aircraft was travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission when it crashed, with military personnel and some members of their families reportedly on board.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the investigation was being conducted in line with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, to determine the cause of the accident.
Reacting to the incident, Archbishop Daniel Okoh expressed sadness over the crash and extended CAN’s condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Ondo State Government.
He said, “We urge that the investigation be thorough, professional and transparent, and that its findings and safety recommendations receive the necessary attention.”
The CAN President noted that members of the Armed Forces make significant sacrifices in the service of the country, while their families also bear the weight of those sacrifices.
“At this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are particularly with the bereaved families and their colleagues in the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh also stressed the need to strengthen safety standards in the aviation sector, particularly in military operations.
“Every life lost is precious. We must therefore continue to strengthen aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response systems, particularly in the interest of personnel who undertake difficult assignments on behalf of the nation,” he said.
The CAN President urged Nigerians to remember the affected families and the Nigerian Air Force in their prayers.
He prayed that God would grant eternal rest to those who died, comfort their families and give wisdom to those responsible for protecting lives.
