NAF Chief Leads Recovery Efforts at Igbokoda Crash Site, Orders Thorough Probe

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to the crash site of NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as search, recovery and investigation efforts continue.

Aneke, who visited the site on Thursday, October 8, expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the October 5 accident, commending their service and sacrifice to the nation.

The CAS said the NAF was committed to ensuring that the recovery and investigation were conducted professionally and transparently, with all relevant evidence secured, documented, preserved and examined.

He also cautioned against speculation over the cause of the crash, stressing that it would be premature to draw conclusions until all available evidence had been properly assessed.

Aneke commended personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, Ondo State Government, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers for their contributions to the ongoing operation.

He assured the families of the victims and the general public that the NAF leadership remained fully involved in the recovery and investigative processes.

The CAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his guidance and leadership following the tragedy.

Providing an update on the operation, the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said recovery efforts were progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.

He confirmed that the crash site remained secured, while recovered items and other evidence were being documented and preserved to support the investigation.

Ebiowe reiterated that no determination could yet be made on the cause of the accident until the investigation was concluded.

The NAF said it remained focused on completing the recovery operation, preserving evidence and supporting a comprehensive investigation, while providing necessary assistance to the families of those who died in the crash.