Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke on Thursday led senior Nigerian Air Force officials to Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative efforts following the crash of NAF ATR 42 aircraft NAF 931.
The visit came three days after the aircraft, which was on a routine mission, crashed in the Igbokoda area, killing personnel and passengers on board.
Aneke expressed profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and paid tribute to the deceased for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to conducting the search, recovery and investigation with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence.
He commended personnel involved in the operation, as well as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ondo State Government, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Hi-Tech Construction Company, local authorities, community leaders and volunteers for their support.

Aneke also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his guidance and leadership during what he described as a challenging period for the Air Force and the affected families.
The Air Chief assured the victims’ families and the public that all relevant evidence recovered from the crash site would be secured, documented, preserved and subjected to detailed examination as part of a comprehensive investigation. He cautioned against speculation over the cause of the accident, stressing that the circumstances would be established only through a thorough and professional inquiry.
Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, head of the investigation and recovery team, said recovery operations were progressing in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies. He confirmed that the crash site remained secured and that recovered items and other evidence were being properly documented and preserved.
Ebiowe said the Nigerian Air Force remained focused on completing the recovery operation, supporting a full investigation and providing appropriate assistance to the families affected by the tragedy.
The Air Force also expressed appreciation to all government agencies, organisations, community members and other stakeholders involved in the operation, as well as members of the public, for their continued support and cooperation.
The cause of the crash has not been officially established. The Air Force maintains that findings from the ongoing investigation will determine the circumstances that led to the accident.