THE Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) has expressed deep grief over the deaths of 25 people in the crash of an ATR-42 military aircraft near the Igbokoda Naval Base in Ondo State, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the nation.
The campaign commiserated with the Nigerian military, the families of the victims and all those affected by the crash, while paying tribute to the personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
MDPCO, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, said the incident had once again drawn attention to the need for sustained investment in the safety, equipment, training and welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies.
It recalled the August 2023 crash of a Nigerian Air Force helicopter in Shiroro, Niger State, during a casualty evacuation mission involving wounded troops, saying recurring military aviation accidents warranted careful examination of the systems and conditions surrounding military operations.
According to the campaign, the latest incident underscores the importance of ensuring that military personnel have access to reliable equipment, adequate training, appropriate operational support and improved welfare.
The MDPCO said the government has a responsibility to provide the resources required to protect the lives of personnel who risk their lives in defence of the country.
The campaign saluted the patriotism, professionalism, courage and sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that they continue to serve the nation under challenging circumstances.
It therefore called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ATR-42 crash to establish its cause and identify any lessons or corrective measures necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The MDPCO said the outcome of such an investigation should be made available to the relevant authorities and used to strengthen aviation safety protocols, equipment maintenance and operational procedures within the military.
The campaign further assured Nigerians that, under an Seyi Makinde-led administration, the welfare, training, equipment and overall operational capacity of the military and other security agencies would receive priority attention as part of its proposed RESET Nigeria agenda.
It said the objective would be to build security institutions that are adequately equipped, professionally trained and sufficiently supported to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
The campaign urged Nigerians to stand with the families of the victims and the Armed Forces at this difficult moment and continue to pray for the nation.
The MDPCO also called for renewed national attention to the safety and wellbeing of military personnel, stressing that those entrusted with defending the country deserve appropriate institutional support.
