The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded a thorough investigation into the military aircraft crash in Ondo State, raising questions over why civilians, including children, were aboard an aircraft reportedly on a “routine mission”.
ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the demand following the Nigerian Air Force’s release of the names of the 25 people killed in the crash.
The aircraft, according to the Nigerian Air Force, had five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed on Monday, October 4, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Among the passengers were six civilians, a development that has prompted the opposition party to question the circumstances under which civilians were allowed aboard the military aircraft.
The aircraft was reportedly undertaking what the Air Force described as a “routine mission” from Benin City to Lagos before the fatal crash.
Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his X handle, Abdullahi said the ADC wants authorities to explain how civilians, including children, ended up aboard a military aircraft operating a routine mission.
He said the circumstances surrounding the presence of the civilians on the aircraft must form part of the investigation into the crash.
The ADC spokesperson called for a proper and transparent investigation capable of providing Nigerians with answers about the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
