The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) expressed deep grief over the deaths of 25 people in the crash of an ATR-42 military aircraft near the Igbokoda Naval Base in Ondo State. The campaign described the incident as a tragic loss to the nation and commiserated with the Nigerian military, the families of the victims, and all those affected by the crash.
The MDPCO said the incident had once again drawn attention to the need for sustained investment in the safety, equipment, training, and welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies. The campaign recalled the August 2023 crash of a Nigerian Air Force helicopter in Shiroro, Niger State, during a casualty evacuation mission involving wounded troops.
The MDPCO noted that recurring military aviation accidents warranted careful examination of the systems and conditions surrounding military operations. According to the campaign, the latest incident underscores the importance of ensuring that military personnel have access to reliable equipment, adequate training, appropriate operational support, and improved welfare.
The campaign saluted the patriotism, professionalism, courage, and sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that they continue to serve the nation under challenging circumstances. The MDPCO called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ATR-42 crash to establish its cause and identify any lessons or corrective measures necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The MDPCO said the government has a responsibility to provide the resources required to protect the lives of personnel who risk their lives in defence of the country. The campaign assured Nigerians that, under a Seyi Makinde-led administration, the welfare, training, equipment, and overall operational capacity of the military and other security agencies would receive priority attention as part of its proposed RESET Nigeria agenda.
The campaign urged Nigerians to stand with the families of the victims and the Armed Forces at this difficult moment and continue to pray for the nation. The MDPCO also called for renewed national attention to the safety and well-being of military personnel, stressing that those entrusted with defending the country deserve appropriate institutional support.
The MDPCO Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja. The campaign’s call for a comprehensive investigation into the crash is a necessary step towards ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.
Key points
- The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation demands a full investigation into the Ondo military aircraft crash that killed 25 people.
- The campaign calls for sustained investment in the safety, equipment, training, and welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies.
- The MDPCO assures Nigerians of priority attention to the welfare, training, equipment, and overall operational capacity of the military and other security agencies under a Seyi Makinde-led administration.
