NAF Secures Igbokoda Crash Site, Begins Evidence Preservation as CAS Visits
The Nigerian Air Force has intensified search, recovery and investigative operations following the crash of an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, visiting the site on Thursday to assess the ongoing operation.
Aneke, accompanied by senior NAF officials, inspected the situation at the crash site and expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who died in the accident.
He said the Service was determined to ensure that every aspect of the recovery and investigation was handled professionally and in accordance with established procedures.
The CAS said evidence recovered from the scene would be secured, documented and preserved for detailed examination, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the accident must be established through a thorough investigation.
He warned against speculation over the cause of the crash, noting that it was too early to reach any conclusion while search, recovery and investigative activities were still ongoing.
Aneke also praised the NAF personnel and other agencies and organisations participating in the operation, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, NEMA, Ondo State Government, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers.
He assured the families of the victims that NAF leadership remained fully involved in the recovery and investigation process and would continue to support them.
The CAS further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for his leadership and guidance following the incident.
Giving an update on the operation, the Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said the recovery exercise was being conducted in coordination with aviation, security and emergency-response agencies.
Ebiowe disclosed that the crash site had remained secured, while recovered items and other relevant evidence were being properly documented and preserved as part of the investigation.
He maintained that the cause of the accident could not yet be determined, stressing that investigators would need to complete their assessment before any conclusion could be reached.
The NAF said the recovery operation and investigation would continue until all relevant evidence had been secured and examined, while efforts would also be sustained to provide support to the families of the deceased.
