Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has urged for an independent investigation into the recent crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State. During his visit to the crash site, Sowore expressed concerns over the investigation process, emphasizing that personnel responsible for the aircraft's maintenance and procurement should not be involved in the inquiry.

The incident occurred on October 5, when an ATR-42 aircraft, identified by registration number NAF 931, crashed while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos. Tragically, all 25 individuals on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers, lost their lives. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has assured that the military will conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the crash.

Sowore, who shared a video of his visit on social media, criticized the handling of the crash site and the remains of the victims. He insisted that all wreckage should be meticulously recovered and examined by external experts to determine the cause of the accident. "Those who are responsible for maintenance, procurements should not be the ones investigating what happened. We should bring outsiders," he stated.

The activist raised concerns about the potential for mishandling evidence that could impede the investigation. He argued that a proper investigation requires all parts of the aircraft to be retrieved and analyzed, highlighting that without thorough examination, crucial details, such as the possibility of a bomb blast, might go undetected.

Sowore expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives, emphasizing that the incident should not be treated lightly. He noted the personal tragedy of one victim who had recently married, underscoring the human cost of the crash. "Something went wrong, and it’s fundamental. And we are just looking at this and saying, oh, they have visited. No, it’s not a matter of the visitors. It’s a matter of the passengers. People died," he lamented.

Following his arrival in Akure from Abuja, Sowore made his way to Igbokoda, where he met with local community members and grassroots leaders to discuss the tragedy. His call for an independent investigation reflects growing concerns among the public regarding the safety of air travel in Nigeria and the accountability of military operations.

As the Air Force prepares to conduct its investigation, the demand for external oversight remains a critical point of discussion in the wake of this tragic event, raising questions about transparency and the integrity of military procedures in handling such incidents.