By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) on Thursday led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative efforts following the accident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931. The CAS expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives, paying tribute to their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to conducting the ongoing response with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence. He commended the dedication of NAF personnel and the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers for their invaluable support. He also expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his guidance and leadership during this challenging period. The CAS assured the families and the public that all relevant evidence would be secured, documented, preserved and examined as part of a thorough and professional investigation, cautioning against speculation on the cause of the accident.
Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, stated that recovery efforts are progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies. He confirmed that the site remains secured and that recovered items and other relevant evidence are being properly documented and preserved. The Nigerian Air Force remains focused on completing the recovery operation, supporting a comprehensive investigation and providing appropriate support to the affected families, while expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and members of the public for their continued support and cooperation.
