THE Nigerian Air Force has constituted an investigative panel to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crash of a military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search and recovery operations continue at the swampy crash site.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who led the search and recovery efforts at the scene on Thursday, extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the accident involving the NAF ATR 42 aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, which crashed five days ago.
Read also: Two Days After Ondo Crash, Another NAF Helicopter Crash-Lands In Benue
Accompanied by senior Air Force officials, Aneke reiterated the military’s commitment to establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, which involved an aircraft operating a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
The report stated that no fewer than 25 personnel, comprising five crew members and 25 passengers, lost their lives in the military aircraft. However, the figures provided in the report indicate a discrepancy between the stated total and the breakdown of those on board.
At the crash site, the Air Chief was received by the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, who provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts.
Ebiowe explained that the operation was being conducted in close coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies to ensure the effective recovery of items and the preservation of evidence needed for the investigation.
He said the accident site had been secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved to support the ongoing probe.
The investigation team stressed that no conclusion could be reached regarding the cause of the accident until the investigation had been completed.
Aneke, who expressed deep sorrow over the crash, recalled that he was very familiar with the aircraft, having flown in it previously, alongside members of his family.
He paid tribute to the victims, describing them as personnel whose records reflected service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
The Chief of Air Staff reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to ensuring that the recovery operation was conducted in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence.
He explained that all relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented, preserved and examined, adding that the circumstances surrounding the accident would be subjected to a thorough and professional investigation in line with established procedures.
Aneke also emphasised that search, recovery and investigative activities were still ongoing, urging Nigerians to refrain from speculation while the process continued.
He said it would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage, stressing that all relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before any determination could be made.
The Air Chief thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his guidance and leadership during what he described as challenging times.
Read also: FULL LIST: NAF Releases Identities Of 25 People Killed In Ondo Military Aircraft Crash
Speaking after inspecting the crash site, Aneke also expressed appreciation to the people and government of Ondo State for their support and contributions to the recovery operation.
“I have inspected the crash site and I want to use this opportunity to thank first the good people of Ondo State and our governor. They have committed resources, time and energy,” he said.
He disclosed that a high-level team comprising military and civilian aviation experts had been constituted to investigate the incident.
According to him, the team would include aviation safety experts, representatives of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the Accident Investigation Bureau and emergency management agencies, as well as retired senior military officers and experienced Nigerian Air Force personnel.
Aneke appealed to members of the public to exercise patience and allow specialists to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy rather than engage in speculation.
“This is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with the general public. We’ve lost people who are fighting for the nation. The best we can do for them is to be a little bit patient and let those who are specialists get to the bottom of what has happened,” he said.
The Air Chief acknowledged that aviation operations inherently involve risks, particularly as the frequency of operations increases, but stressed that the Nigerian Air Force would leave no stone unturned in determining the cause of the accident.
“If you know the aviation environment, you understand that the more activities you have, the more likelihood you have of incidents like this. We in the Air Force leave no stone unturned. When it comes to safety, everything is ensured,” he said.
Reiterating his personal connection to the aircraft and those on board, Aneke said he knew many of the personnel involved in the crash, including the crew members.
“I basically knew everyone on that flight. I have flown on this aeroplane. My family has flown on this aeroplane. I know each of the crew personally.
“They are highly trained, professional, and intelligent officers. The best we can do is to honour the sacrifice they have made for those on board this aeroplane.
“I want to assure the families of our loved ones that the Nigerian Armed Forces will keep you on guard in ensuring that you are safe,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ebiowe reiterated that recovery efforts were continuing in close coordination with the relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
Read also: Ex-Governor Tambuwal Drags Sokoto Government To Court Over Refusal To Release Probe Report
He said the crash site remained secured and that recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved to support the ongoing investigation.
The recovery team leader again maintained that no conclusion could be reached on the cause of the accident until the investigation had been concluded, underscoring the need for a careful, evidence-based process to determine what happened.