An investigative panel was set up yesterday by the Air Force to unravel the circumstances surrounding the plane crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who led the search and recovery efforts at the swampy site, extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Accompanied by senior Air Force officials, he assured the families that a thorough investigation would be conducted to unravel the air accident involving the NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, five days ago.
No fewer than 25 personnel, comprising five crew members and 25 passengers, lost their lives in the military aircraft on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
Air Marshal Aneke was received at the site by the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, who gave an updated about the recovery efforts.
He said the recovery operation was being carried out in conjunction with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
Marshal Ebiowe said the accident site was secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved to support the ongoing investigation.
He said no conclusion on the cause of the accident can be made until the investigation is concluded.
The Air Chief, who lamented the crash, recalled that he and members of his family had once flown in the aircraft.
He paid tribute to the victims, saying that they left records of service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to a recovery operation driven by the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence.
Marshal Aneke said 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.
Marshal Aneke emphasised that search, recovery and investigative activities are ongoing, urging Nigerians to do away with speculations. ShopAfrican Art
He said it would be premature to conclude at this stage, stressing that relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before reaching any conclusion.
The Air Chief thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his guidance and leadership during these challenging times.
Marshall Aneke said: “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.”
He revealed that a high-level team of military and civilian aviation experts had been constituted to investigate the incident.
Aneke said the team would include safety experts, representatives of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the Accident Investigation Bureau and Emergency Management agencies, retired senior military officers and experienced NAF personnel.
He added: “This is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with the general public. 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 those who are specialists get to the bottom of what has happened.”
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The Air Chief said aviation operations are inherently risky, particularly as the frequency of operations increased, but stressed that the NAF would leave no stone unturned in determining what caused the accident.
He said: “If you know the aviation environment, you understand that the more activities you have, the more likelihood you have of incidents like this. We in the Air Force leave no stone unturned. When it comes to safety, everything is ensured.”
The Chief of Air Staff said he was very familiar with the crashed aircraft, adding that he knew many of the personnel involved in the crash.
He said: “I basically knew everyone on that flight. I have flown on this aeroplane. My family has flown on this aeroplane. I know each of the crew personally.
“They are 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 keep you on guard in ensuring that you are safe.”
Marshal Ebiowe said recovery efforts are on in close coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
He said the accident site is secured, adding that recovered items and other relevant evidence are being properly documented and preserved to support the ongoing investigation.
Ebiowe insisted that no conclusion on the cause of the accident can be made until the investigation is concluded.
PANDEF calls for probe
The outpouring of grief over the tragedy continued as the search and recovery efforts reached the fourth day.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expressed “deep shock and pain” over the crash, describing the incident as a painful loss to the nation and the South-South geopolitical zone.
The organisation also called for a speedy probe to unravel the cause of the accident.
PANDEF, in a statement by its National Chairman, Godknows Igali, said the tragedy was particularly painful for the South-South region, noting that several people from the region were among those affected.
The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) expressed sadness over the tragedy.
The group said in a statement that the victims died on duty, adding that their memories should be honoured.
The statement reads: “They may have departed in tragedy, but they must be remembered in honour. They paid the ultimate price in the course of national service.
“Their uniforms represented duty. Their presence on that mission represented responsibility. Their return was expected by families, colleagues and the nation. Instead, Nigeria received the painful news of their death.
“MULAN therefore honours the memory of these fallen personnel and all those who perished in the crash. We salute their courage, their commitment and their service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We also recognise the profound sacrifice borne by their families, who must now live with a loss that no words can adequately repair.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, and all Nigerians mourning this national tragedy.”