The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has appealed for patience as the Nigerian Air Force begins investigations into the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which killed all 25 people on board.
Aneke, on Thursday, led senior Nigerian Air Force officials as he joined the search and recovery team at Igbokoda, as efforts continued to recover evidence from the site of the accident.
He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the military in their ongoing efforts to remove the wreckage and victims of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft from the swamp.
The ill-fated aircraft crashed on Monday in Igbokoda and has yet to be removed from the swampy area where it crash-landed.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Aneke assured the families of the deceased and the public that the NAF would conduct a thorough and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He said all relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented, preserved and examined before any conclusion was reached on the cause of the accident.
“The Chief of the Air Staff led senior NAF officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative efforts following the accident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931.
“At the site, the CAS 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.
“Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to ensuring that the ongoing response is conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence.
“All relevant evidence would be carefully secured, documented, preserved and examined, noting that the circumstances surrounding the accident would be subjected to a thorough and professional investigation in accordance with established procedures,” the statement read.
Speaking during the visit, Aneke said he came for two reasons: for the welfare of his people and to look at what was happening in recovery and accountability.
He said, “First, on behalf of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and also officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, I want to first express our deep sorrow and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident.
”I basically knew everyone on that flight. I’ve flown on this aeroplane. My family has flown on this aeroplane. I know each of the crew personally. 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 remain on guard in ensuring that you are safe. I had informed my Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to come up with a high-level delegation comprising both military and civilian safety experts, NTSB, Accident and Emergency Management Board, retired senior officers, experienced Air Force officers, to sit down and get to the bottom of what happened.
”This is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with you, the general public, to be patient. 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 the specialists get to the bottom of what has happened.
“If you know the aviation environment, you understand that the more activities you have, the greater the likelihood of incidents like this.”
He said the Air Force would leave no stone unturned when it came to matters of safety.
“It’s a very big loss, and no amount of words we put together can bring any consolation to those who have lost their loved ones. I understand how it feels. The Nigerian Air Force is doing everything possible to ensure that the families receive the necessary support they need,” he said.
Aneke commended the people and the Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the support given to the rescue team.
He also commended the NAF personnel and other stakeholders involved in the recovery 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, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers.
“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.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders. I’ve been briefed by the commander of the Naval Base here. Words cannot describe how we Nigerians come together when things go sour,” he said.
Aneke, however, cautioned against speculation on the cause of the accident.
“It would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage, as all relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before any determination can be made,” he said.
He also expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the incident, paying tribute to their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
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 relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved to support the investigation.
He said no conclusion could be reached on the cause of the accident until the investigation was completed.
“Recovery efforts are progressing in close coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
“The accident site remains secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence are being properly documented and preserved to support the ongoing investigation. No conclusion on the cause of the accident can be made until the investigation is concluded,” Ebiowe said.
Source: punchng.com
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