Sowore visits NAF crash site in Ondo, demands probe

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Friday visited the site of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, demanding a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

During the visit, Sowore raised concerns about the procurement, maintenance, and operational safety of military aircraft and equipment in Nigeria, insisting that the country must get to the bottom of the circumstances that led to the crash.

He criticised what he described as the poor handling of the aftermath of the incident, particularly the alleged shortcomings in emergency response, crash-site management, and investigative procedures.

Sowore maintained that Nigerians deserve clear answers about the condition of the aircraft before the crash, its maintenance history, the procurement process, and whether established aviation safety procedures were followed.

At the crash site, the AAC presidential candidate interacted with military personnel guarding the wreckage and sought to understand the measures being taken to secure the location and facilitate investigations.

He emphasised that “military aviation disasters must never be treated as routine occurrences, stressing the importance of accountability, transparency, and the protection of the lives of military personnel entrusted with defending the country.”

Sowore was accompanied on the visit by other AAC chieftains including former Ondo State governorship candidate, Kunle Ajayi and activists from Take It Back Movement led by the National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, who also travelled with him through Igbokoda and surrounding communities.

Following the inspection of the crash site, Sowore and members of his entourage departed by boat into the riverine creeks of Ondo State.