ONDO, Nigeria — The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has revealed that he once flew in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with members of his family also having travelled in the same aircraft.
Aneke made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking with journalists during a visit to the crash site, where he expressed grief over the deaths of the personnel and passengers involved in the tragedy, reports The Nation.
The Air Chief said his personal familiarity with the aircraft and the crew members had made the incident particularly painful, describing the deceased military personnel as highly trained and dedicated professionals who died in the line of duty.
“I basically knew everyone on that flight. I have flown on this aeroplane. My family has flown on this aeroplane. I know each crew member personally,” he said.
Describing the deceased as some of the finest personnel in the Nigerian Air Force, Aneke said their sacrifice must be honoured while the military works to establish the circumstances that led to the crash.
“They are highly trained, professional, and intelligent officers. The best we can do is to honour the sacrifice they have made on board this aeroplane,” he said.
He assured the bereaved families that the Nigerian Armed Forces would continue to support them and ensure their welfare following the tragedy.
Air Chief Orders High-Level Investigation
Aneke said a high-level team comprising military and civilian aviation safety experts had been constituted to investigate the crash and determine what went wrong.
He urged Nigerians to refrain from speculation about the cause of the accident, stressing that investigators needed sufficient time to examine the available evidence and establish the facts.
“I have instructed my Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to form a high-level delegation comprising military and civilian safety experts, the NTSB, the 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 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 patient and let the specialists get to the bottom of what has happened.”
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s final flight, including the events preceding its loss of contact with aviation authorities.
The Air Chief also stressed that identifying the cause of the crash was essential to preventing a recurrence and strengthening aviation safety within the Nigerian Air Force.
He acknowledged that aviation operations involve inherent risks, particularly as operational activities increase, but insisted that the military would thoroughly investigate the incident.
“If you know the aviation environment, you understand that the more activities you have, the greater the likelihood of incidents like this,” he said.
“We in the Air Force leave no stone unturned. When it comes to safety, everything is ensured,” he added.
Commends Ondo Government, Recovery Teams
During the visit, Aneke commended the Ondo State Government, residents of the affected community and emergency personnel for their contributions to the recovery operation.
He said the difficult terrain had complicated efforts at the crash site and praised those working to recover the victims and ensure that their remains were treated with dignity.
“I have inspected the crash site, and 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 aircraft reportedly crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda while undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. It was said to have lost contact with aviation authorities before the incident.
The aircraft was submerged in the swamp, necessitating an intensive recovery operation involving the military and other emergency and security agencies.
According to reports, 25 personnel and passengers died in the crash, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
Aneke’s visit came as recovery efforts continued at the difficult-to-access site, with the military pledging to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and honour those who lost their lives.
