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 25 lives.
Aneke, who visited the crash site, also assured the families of the deceased that the Nigerian Armed Forces would provide them with the necessary support.
The aircraft, with 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 on board, including the crew, died in the crash.
Recovery hampered by swampy terrain
About 96 hours after the accident, the main body of the aircraft was yet to be excavated, while the remains of the victims had not been fully recovered.
The flight recorder, popularly known as the black box, which could provide vital information on the circumstances surrounding the crash, had also not been recovered.
This was despite the deployment of heavy-duty amphibious excavators, known as swamp buggies, to the crash site by the Ondo State Government.
The equipment arrived with technical personnel and specialised detection equipment to help locate the submerged wreckage.
The crash site, located about 500 metres east of the Naval Forward Operating Base, has proved difficult to access because of its swampy terrain. Initial recovery attempts using small boats and canoes were reportedly inadequate.
Only fragments of the aircraft had been recovered as of the time of filing this report.
Air Chief orders comprehensive probe
Aneke said he had directed the Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to assemble a high-level team comprising military and civilian safety experts to investigate the crash.
“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 urged members of the public to avoid speculation on the cause of the crash until the investigation was concluded.
“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 said aviation safety remained a priority for the Nigerian Air Force, adding that the service would leave no stone unturned in determining what led to 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 families of the deceased that the Nigerian Air Force would provide the necessary assistance.
“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need,” Aneke said.
He commended the Ondo State Government and residents of Igbokoda for their response to the disaster.
“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 sympathising with the families of the victims, Aneke said the tragedy was particularly painful to him because he personally knew those on board.
“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 assured the bereaved families that the military would continue to stand by 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.
