CAS leads search, recovery efforts at Igbokoda, assures families of thorough investigation

By Lengnan Tobias

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Thursday led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative efforts.

This follows the air crash on Monday,, involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the CAS at the site 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.

He quoted Aneke as reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to ensuring that the ongoing response was conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence.

The CAS commended the dedication and professionalism of NAF personnel and other stakeholders involved in the operation.

He assured the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public that the NAF leadership remained fully engaged in the recovery and investigation process.

Aneke emphasised that all relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented, preserved and examined.

He also said that the circumstances surrounding the accident would be subjected to a thorough and professional investigation in accordance with established procedures.

He emphasised that search, recovery and investigative activities remained ongoing and cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the accident.

“It will be premature to draw conclusions at this stage, as all relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before any determination can be made.

“The NAF is committed to professionalism, transparency and accountability, and I assure all affected families of the service continued support,” Aneke said.

The CAS also used the opportunity to thank the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his guidance and leadership during the challenging times.

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

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

He reiterated that no conclusion on the cause of the accident could be made until the investigation was concluded.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains deeply grateful for the support and cooperation of all government agencies, security and emergency-response organisations, local authorities, host communities and members of the public.

“The service remains focused on completing the recovery operation, preserving all relevant evidence and supporting a comprehensive and professional investigation, while continuing to provide appropriate support to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker