Ondo Aircraft Crash: NAF Chief Pledges Support For Victims’ Families

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has assured families of victims of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, of the support of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Aneke gave the assurance on Thursday when he visited the crash site to assess the ongoing recovery operation and the efforts being made to account for those involved in the tragedy.

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The Air Chief, who expressed condolences to the bereaved families, described the incident as a major loss, saying no amount of words could adequately console those who had lost their loved ones.

“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need,” he said.

Aneke said he personally knew everyone on board the aircraft, describing the crew members as highly trained, professional and intelligent officers who had made sacrifices in the service of the nation.

“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 said the Nigerian Armed Forces would continue to stand by the families, assuring them that their welfare remained a priority following the tragedy.

Aneke also disclosed that a high-level delegation comprising military and civilian safety experts had been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

He said the team would include representatives of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, emergency management officials, retired senior officers and experienced Air Force personnel.

The Chief of Air Staff appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the crash, urging Nigerians to allow aviation specialists to conduct their investigation.

“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 said.

Aneke also commended the Ondo State Government, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and residents of Igbokoda for their support during the recovery operation, noting that local residents were among the first responders at the scene.