The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, is leading senior Nigerian Air Force officials to Igbokoda in Ondo State as search, recovery and investigative efforts continue following the devastating crash involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
The visit comes as the Nigerian Air Force continues efforts to recover relevant materials from the crash site and establish what happened in the moments leading to the tragedy.
The crash has claimed the lives of 25 people on board, leaving families, colleagues and the wider Nigerian military community mourning the loss of personnel who die while serving their country.
At the crash site, Air Marshal Aneke expresses profound condolences to the families of the victims, paying tribute to their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
He says the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to handling the recovery operation with professionalism, coordination and diligence.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the Chief of the Air Staff also commends the personnel and agencies involved in the operation, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency, Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers.
Their combined efforts are supporting the search, recovery and securing of the crash site.
Air Marshal Aneke also appreciates President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his guidance and leadership during the difficult period.
But beyond the recovery of the aircraft, attention is now turning to the question that weighs heavily on the minds of the victims’ families and the nation, what caused the aircraft to crash?
The Chief of the Air Staff assures the families and the public that every relevant piece of evidence will be secured, documented, preserved and examined as part of a thorough investigation.
He also cautions against speculation about the cause of the accident, stressing the importance of allowing investigators to complete their work and establish the facts.
For the families waiting for answers, the investigation carries enormous importance.
They deserve to know what happened to their loved ones, while the Nigerian Air Force must establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and draw lessons that can help prevent similar tragedies.
The Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, says recovery operations are progressing in coordination with aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
He confirms that the crash site remains secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence are being carefully documented and preserved.
The operation is therefore not simply about recovering wreckage.
It is also about preserving evidence, supporting the investigation and helping families through one of the most painful moments of their lives.
As recovery efforts continue in Igbokoda, the Nigerian Air Force says it remains focused on completing the operation and supporting a comprehensive investigation.
The military also expresses appreciation to government agencies, security personnel, local communities, volunteers and members of the public for their continued support and cooperation.
At the centre of the operation are the lives lost, 25 people whose families are now waiting for answers and whose service and sacrifice the Nigerian Air Force says will not be forgotten.
