By Stephen Simon
Families of victims of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in southwestern Nigeria have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate communication from authorities more than a week after the disaster.
The aircraft crashed on October 5 after losing radar contact during a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, killing all 25 people on board, including 19 military personnel and six civilians.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the incident, but relatives told Reuters they were still seeking information about the cause of the crash, the identification of remains and the progress of recovery operations.
Victor Anii, whose sister Esther, a Nigerian Air Force sergeant, died in the crash, said his family learnt of her death after the Air Force released the passenger list.
Damilola Folorunsho, whose brother Sunday was also among the victims, said her family had not received direct communication about the recovery of his remains or the investigation.
The Air Force has said it pledged support to affected families and intensified search and recovery operations.
The crash occurred in remote, swampy terrain in Ondo State, complicating the recovery effort.
The incident has renewed concerns about military aviation safety and accountability, following other fatal Nigerian Air Force aircraft accidents in recent years.
Relatives have called for transparency and a clear explanation of what caused the disaster, saying accountability is essential to preventing similar tragedies.
