The Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, has called for an investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State, while expressing sympathy to the families of the military personnel who lost their lives.
The traditional ruler also extended his condolences to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Air Force following the tragic incident.
A statement released on Thursday by his spokesman, Dr Ademibo Akingboye, disclosed the monarch’s position on the crash.
The ATR-42 aircraft reportedly came down in a swampy section of Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, while carrying 25 people.
Recovery operations at the scene were still ongoing as of Thursday, with the aircraft yet to be taken away from the crash site.
Akinruntan said determining what caused the accident was important and urged both the Federal Government and the Air Force to conduct a detailed investigation.
The statement read, “I commiserate with the families of the military personnel who lost their lives in the aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State.
“I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Government and the grieving families of the fallen heroes.
“I am also using this opportunity to call on the federal government and the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.”
The monarch also prayed for the souls of the deceased and appealed to Nigerians to “rally around the bereaved families during this painful period.”
The incident had earlier prompted search efforts involving residents, security personnel and emergency responders.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had told Channels Television on Monday that no survivor had been found despite the efforts at the crash site.
