The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has visited Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigation efforts following the fatal Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash involving ATR 42 aircraft NAF 931.
During the visit on Thursday, October 8, Air Marshal Aneke assured the families of the victims and Nigerians that the circumstances surrounding the crash would be subjected to a thorough and professional investigation.
He expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased, paying tribute to the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the incident.
The Air Chief stressed that all relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented and examined to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
He cautioned against speculation about the cause of the crash, noting that it would be premature to draw conclusions while recovery operations and investigations remain ongoing.
Air Marshal Aneke also commended the personnel and agencies involved in the operation, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, Ondo State Government, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Amotekun Corps.
He acknowledged the contributions of local authorities, community leaders, volunteers and Hi-Tech Construction Company to the ongoing efforts.
The Chief of the Air Staff reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism throughout the recovery and investigation process, while assuring affected families of continued support.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his guidance during the challenging period.
Providing an update, the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, said recovery operations were progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
He confirmed that the crash site remained secured and that recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved to support the investigation.
Ebiowe reiterated that the cause of the crash would not be determined until the investigation had been completed.
The Nigerian Air Force says it remains focused on completing the recovery operation, preserving evidence and conducting a comprehensive investigation into the fatal incident.