The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force following the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Sunday.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., the Bureau said it received reports of the accident involving the military aircraft which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed the accident and said Search and Rescue operations have been activated and are ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency agencies.
“The Bureau extends its sincere condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, and to the families and colleagues of all those on board. Our thoughts are with them, and with the Search and Rescue teams working at the site,” the statement said.
NSIB said it stands ready to assist the Air Force at its request, with technical support including deployment of investigators and use of its Flight Safety Laboratory for the recovery, readout and analysis of flight recorder data.
The Bureau clarified that as the occurrence involves a military aircraft, investigative responsibility rests with the Nigerian Air Force and it will only provide assistance upon a formal request.
NSIB commended the swift activation of Search and Rescue and the efforts of first responders at Igbokoda, and urged the public to rely exclusively on official updates from the Nigerian Air Force on the rescue operation and investigation.
The Bureau said further comment will only be issued as appropriate and in consultation with the Air Force.
