The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established a high-level investigative panel comprising military and civilian aviation safety experts to determine the cause of the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The investigation comes as recovery teams continue searching the crash site, where difficult terrain, thick mangroves, deep mud and murky water have slowed efforts to locate the wreckage and recover victims’ remains.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, disclosed the development on Thursday during a visit to the crash site, where he called for patience and cautioned against speculation about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday, October 5, while travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission. It was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Aneke said the panel would comprise representatives of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, accident and emergency management authorities, retired senior military officers and experienced Air Force personnel.
He explained that the investigation was intended to establish the facts surrounding the crash and determine what went wrong.
“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,” the Air Chief said.
Aneke appealed to Nigerians to refrain from drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed, noting that the incident had claimed the lives of personnel serving the country.
“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,” he stated.
The Air Force chief assured the public that the service would conduct a thorough investigation, emphasising that aviation safety remained a priority.
“We in the Air Force, we leave no stone unturned. When it comes to safety, everything is ensured,” he said.
Describing the incident as a painful loss, Aneke disclosed that he was personally familiar with those aboard the aircraft, including the crew members.
“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,” he said.
He described the crash as a “very big loss” to the military and the affected families, adding that the sacrifices of those on board must be honoured.
“The best we can do is to honour the sacrifice they have put on those on board this aeroplane,” Aneke added.
Recovery efforts are ongoing near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with local residents and the Ondo State Government providing assistance to the teams at the scene.
Aneke commended community members for their swift response after the incident, saying they were among the first to assist.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders. I’ve been briefed by the commander of the Naval here,” he said.
He also assured the families of the victims that the Nigerian Air Force would provide the necessary support during the difficult period.
“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need,” he stated.
Meanwhile, recovery teams are continuing efforts to locate the main wreckage, recover victims’ remains and retrieve aircraft components that could provide crucial evidence for the investigation.
