The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has appealed to Nigerians to avoid speculation and allow investigators to determine the cause of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which killed all 25 people on board.
Aneke made the appeal on Thursday during a visit to the crash site, where he joined senior military officials and recovery teams working to retrieve the wreckage and victims from the swampy area. He assured the families of the deceased that a thorough and professional investigation would be conducted, with all relevant evidence secured, documented and examined before any conclusions are reached.
The Air Chief said a team comprising military and civilian aviation safety experts would investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as a significant loss to the nation, and assured them of the Nigerian Air Force’s support.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The head of the investigation and recovery team, Air Vice Marshal E.O.E. Ebiowe, said recovery operations were progressing in coordination with relevant agencies. He confirmed that the site remained secured and that recovered items were being documented and preserved to support the investigation.
Aneke commended the Ondo State Government, local residents, security agencies, emergency responders and other stakeholders for their contributions to the recovery efforts. He reiterated that no determination would be made on the cause of the crash until the investigation was completed.
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