Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has assured the families of the deceased officers in the crash involving the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, that the government won’t abandon them.
He stated this on Thursday while he was on inspection of the crash site.
He was optimistic about the progress in the recovery process, stressing that the FOC has assured him that all the critical resources, equipment that are needed to make sure they locate the wreckage of the airplane is found.
He said, “On behalf of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and also officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, I want to first express our deep sorrow and condolence to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident.
“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. Highly trained, professional, and intelligent officers. The best we can do is to honour the sacrifice they’ve put those on board this aeroplane.
“I want to assure the families of our loved ones that the Nigerian Armed Forces will stand on guard in ensuring that you’re safe. I had informed my Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to come up with a high-level delegation of both military and civilian safety experts, NTSB, Accident and Emergency Management Board, retired senior officers, experienced Air Force officers, to sit down and get to the bottom of what happened.
“This isn’t 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.
“If you know the aviation environment, you understand that the more activities you have, the more likely you are to have incidents like this. We in the Air Force, we leave no stone unturned. When it comes to safety, everything is ensured.
“It’s a very big loss, and no amount of words we put can bring so-called understanding to those who have lost. I myself have derived, so I understand how it feels.
“The Nigerian Air Force is putting everything possible to ensure that the families get the necessary support they need.
“I’ve inspected the crash cycle programme zero, 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.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders. I’ve been briefed by the commander of the Naval here. Words cannot describe how we Nigerians come together when things like this happen,” he added.
He also assured that the Nigerian Air Force will take its responsibility and ensure children and loved ones are trained and made to live life as normal as we can make it.
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