The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Christian body urged the authorities handling the investigation to ensure that the exercise is thorough, professional and transparent, with all safety recommendations arising from the probe 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 aircraft was reportedly on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when the incident occurred. Military personnel and some members of their families were among those on board.

Following the crash, the Defence Headquarters ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident while search and rescue efforts continued at the scene.

The Director, 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 tragedy, Okoh said CAN received the news with sadness, while extending the association’s condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Ondo State Government.

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He said, “We urge that the investigation be thorough, professional and transparent, and that its findings and safety recommendations receive the necessary attention.

“The men and women of our Armed Forces make enormous sacrifices in the service of our nation. 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.”

The CAN president welcomed the decision to investigate the crash, stressing that determining what led to the incident would be important in preventing similar tragedies.

Okoh also called for renewed attention to aviation safety, particularly the standards governing military aviation, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures and emergency response.

He said, “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.”

The CAN president further appealed to Nigerians to keep the affected families and members of the Nigerian Air Force in their prayers as they come to terms with the loss.

He added, “May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort to the bereaved, and wisdom to all those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives.”

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