The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has ordered a high-level investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, which claimed the lives of 25 people.
Aneke, who visited the crash site, assured the families of the victims that the Nigerian Armed Forces would provide the necessary support following the tragedy.
The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it crashed into a swampy area opposite the Naval Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda.
All 25 people aboard the aircraft, including members of the crew, were killed.
Recovery efforts slowed by difficult terrain
Nearly 96 hours after the crash, the main wreckage of the aircraft had yet to be fully excavated, while the remains of the victims had also not been completely recovered.
The aircraft’s flight recorder, commonly known as the black box, which could provide crucial information about the circumstances surrounding the accident, had also not been retrieved.
The Ondo State Government had deployed heavy-duty amphibious excavators, known as swamp buggies, to assist with the recovery operation.
The equipment arrived at the crash site alongside technical personnel and specialised detection equipment to locate the submerged wreckage.
The crash site, situated about 500 metres east of the Naval Forward Operating Base, has presented significant challenges to recovery teams because of the swampy terrain. Earlier attempts using small boats and canoes were reportedly unsuccessful.
Only fragments of the aircraft had been recovered as of the time of filing the report.
Air Chief orders comprehensive investigation
Aneke said he had directed the Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to constitute a high-level investigation team made up of military and civilian aviation safety experts.
“I have informed my Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to come up with a high-level delegation comprising of 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,” he said.
The Air Chief appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculating about the cause of the crash until the investigation is completed.
“This is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with you, general public. We’ve lost people who are fighting for the nation,” he said.
“The best we can do for them is to be a little bit patient and let those who are the specialists get to the bottom of what has happened.”
Aneke reiterated that aviation safety remained a major priority for the Nigerian Air Force, stressing that the service would conduct a thorough investigation to establish what caused the accident.
“It’s a very big loss, and no amount of words we put can bring so-called understanding to those who have lost. I myself have grieved, so I understand how it feels,” he said.
‘Families will get necessary support’
The Chief of the Air Staff assured the bereaved families that the Nigerian Air Force would provide the assistance required during the difficult period.
“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need,” Aneke said.
He also commended the Ondo State Government and residents of Igbokoda for their efforts and quick response following the crash.
“I have inspected the crash site. 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 said.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders. I’ve been briefed by the commander of the Navy here.
“Words cannot describe how we Nigerians come together when things go south.”
‘I knew everyone on board’
While expressing his condolences to the families of the victims, Aneke said the incident was especially painful because he personally knew everyone who was on the aircraft.
“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 condolence to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident,” he said.
“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 of those on board this aeroplane.”
Aneke further assured the bereaved families that the military would continue to support and protect them.
“I want to assure the families of our loved ones that the Nigerian Armed Forces will stand guard in ensuring that you are safe,” he said.