The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Kabiru Alhassan, has expressed concern over the reported crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State. Alhassan urged Nigerians to remain calm as rescue efforts continue. In a message of solidarity issued on Tuesday, he said he was deeply saddened by the incident involving the aircraft, which was reportedly carrying 32 passengers and crew.
The lawmaker commended the Nigerian Air Force, security agencies, emergency responders, and other personnel involved in the operation for their prompt response. Alhassan said his thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones at this difficult moment. He expressed hope that those on board would be found safe.
The incident occurred on Monday when the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar shortly after take-off. According to a senior Air Traffic Controller, the plane was travelling from Benin City, the Edo State capital, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 am. The aircraft crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State.
Alhassan appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, saying authorities were still working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and account for everyone on board. The Nigerian Air Force is expected to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the outcome of the rescue operation as information becomes available.
The incident comes amid growing concern over aviation safety following previous aircraft emergencies involving both military and civilian operations in the country. The House committee chairman reiterated his solidarity with the passengers, crew members, and their families, while urging personnel involved in the rescue effort to sustain their operations.
The Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement on the cause of the crash or the status of those on board. However, the prompt response of emergency responders and security agencies has been commended by Alhassan and other stakeholders. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and an investigation is expected to be conducted.
The Ondo air crash has raised concerns about the safety of military and civilian air travel in Nigeria. The incident is being closely monitored by the government and other stakeholders, with efforts focused on determining the cause of the crash and providing support to those affected.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft was carrying 32 passengers and crew when it crashed in Ondo State on Monday.
- The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Kabiru Alhassan, has urged Nigerians to remain calm as rescue efforts continue.
- The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in Nigeria, following previous aircraft emergencies involving both military and civilian operations.
