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The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative efforts following the crash of NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
The visit came three days after the aircraft, which was on a routine mission, crashed in the Igbokoda area, killing personnel and passengers on board.
Aneke expressed profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, paying tribute to the deceased for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to ensuring that the search, recovery and investigation into the crash were conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence.
He commended the personnel involved in the operation, as well as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers for their support.
Aneke also expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his guidance and leadership during what he described as a challenging period for the Nigerian Air Force and the affected families.
The CAS assured the families of the victims and the general public that all relevant evidence recovered from the crash site would be secured, documented, preserved and subjected to detailed examination as part of a comprehensive investigation.
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He cautioned against speculation over the cause of the accident, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the crash would only be established through a thorough and professional investigation.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said recovery operations were progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
Ebiowe confirmed that the crash site remained secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved for investigative purposes.
He said the Nigerian Air Force remained focused on completing the recovery operation, supporting a comprehensive investigation and providing appropriate assistance to the families affected by the tragedy.
The NAF also expressed appreciation to all government agencies, organisations, community members and other stakeholders involved in the operation, as well as members of the public, for their continued support and cooperation.
The cause of the crash has not been officially established, with the Air Force maintaining that findings from the ongoing investigation would determine the circumstances that led to the accident.
