The Nigerian Air Force has set up a high-level panel to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, announced the investigation on Thursday, October 8, during a visit to the crash site in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.
Aneke said the panel would bring together military and civilian aviation safety specialists, including representatives of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, accident and emergency management authorities, retired senior military officers and experienced Nigerian Air Force personnel.
The ATR-42, with registration number NAF 931, crashed on Monday while undertaking a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos. There were 32 people aboard, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
According to the Chief of Air Staff, the investigation would establish what led to the accident, while members of the public should refrain from drawing conclusions before the inquiry is completed.
“I had informed my superintendent of safety and evaluation to come up with a high-level delegation comprising both military and civilian safety experts, NSIB, accident and emergency management board, retired senior officers and experienced Air Force officers, to sit down and get to the bottom of what happened,” he said.
“This is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with you, 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 the specialists get to the bottom of what has happened.”
Aneke assured that the service would conduct a thorough investigation, stressing that aviation safety remained a priority for the Air Force.
The CAS also described those aboard the aircraft as highly trained professionals and said he personally knew everyone who was on the ill-fated flight.
“We in the Air Force, we leave no stone unturned. When it comes to safety, everything is ensured,” he said.
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“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.”
Describing the incident as a “very big loss” to the military and the victims’ families, Aneke said the difficult terrain had complicated the ongoing recovery operation.
The aircraft came down in a swampy area close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, where thick mangroves, muddy terrain and murky water have hampered efforts to locate and recover the wreckage and remains.
“The best we can do is to honour the sacrifice they have put on those on board this aeroplane,” he said.
The Air Force chief also praised the Ondo State Government and residents of Igbokoda for assisting personnel involved in the recovery exercise.
He said local residents played an important role in the immediate response after the aircraft crashed.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders. I’ve been briefed by the commander of the Naval here,” he said.
Aneke said the community’s response highlighted the importance of cooperation among government agencies, security organisations and local communities when emergencies occur.
Meanwhile, the Air Force said it was supporting the families of those who died in the crash.
“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need,” he said.
Recovery personnel remain at the crash site, searching the swamp for the main wreckage and victims’ remains. Investigators are also expected to recover aircraft components that could provide crucial evidence in determining the cause of the accident.