Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has revealed he once flew the ill-fated Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda with his family – and personally knew everyone on board.
He disclosed this Thursday while visiting the swampy crash site in Ilaje LGA shortly after the tragedy.
The NAF aircraft – tail number *NGR 931*, an ATR-42 on routine mission from *Benin to Lagos* – lost contact at 9:13am Monday and crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Wreckage was submerged in swamp, making recovery difficult.
*25 persons killed – 5 crew, 20 passengers* (earlier figures of 32 were corrected).
An emotional Aneke told journalists:
> “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. They are highly trained, professional, and intelligent officers. The best we can do is to honour the sacrifice they have made.”
> “I want to assure the families of our loved ones that the Nigerian Armed Forces will keep you on guard in ensuring that you are safe.”
Aneke vowed to unravel cause and warned against speculation:
> “This is not the time to start speculating. 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 specialists get to bottom of what happened.”
He has ordered a high-level investigation team comprising:
– NAF Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation
– Civilian aviation safety experts
– Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)
– NTSB / Emergency Management agencies
– Retired senior military officers and experienced NAF personnel
“If you know aviation environment, you understand that the more activities you have, the greater the likelihood of incidents like this. We in Air Force leave no stone unturned. When it comes to safety, everything is ensured,” he said.
He thanked Governor of Ondo State and good people of Ondo for committing resources, time and energy to rescue and recovery, and promised remains will be handled with dignity and crew honoured for ultimate sacrifice.
Recovery operations continue at difficult terrain.
