CAS Leads Search, Recovery Efforts at Igbokoda, Assures Families of Thorough Probe

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative operations following the crash involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.

Aneke, who visited the accident site expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the incident, describing their service and sacrifice to the nation as worthy of honour.

In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to conducting the recovery and investigation with professionalism, diligence and transparency.

He commended personnel and other stakeholders involved in the operation, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ondo State Government, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers.

The CAS assured the affected families and the general public that the NAF leadership remained fully engaged in the recovery and investigation process.

He stressed that all relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented, preserved and examined to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Aneke also cautioned against speculation over the cause of the crash, noting that it would be premature to draw conclusions while search, recovery and investigative activities were still ongoing.

He said all relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before any determination could be made, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to accountability and professionalism.

Providing an operational update, 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.

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

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

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

The NAF said it remained focused on completing the recovery operation, preserving evidence and supporting a comprehensive investigation, while continuing to provide appropriate support to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.