*Another Helicopter Makes ‘Precautionary Landing’ On Farmland In Benue
THE Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has led senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officials to Igbokoda, Ondo State, to assess ongoing search, recovery and investigative efforts, following the NAF 931 ATR-42 aircraft crash into the swamps of Igbokoda, close to a naval base in Ilaje Local Council of Ondo State, killing all 25 passengers and seven crew members on board in the early hours of Monday, October 5.
Just a few days later, another Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopters made a “precautionary landing” in a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday, October 7, after providing close air support to ground troops during an operation in the state.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement that the military operation targeted suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo Local Council of the state, near the Enugu-Benue boundary, disrupting the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of the ground forces.
He stated: “Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield,” the statement reads.
“This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base.”
Aneke, who visited the accident site in Igbokoda on Thursday, October 8, expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives.
While paying tribute to the officers for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the country, the Air Force chief reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to conducting the recovery and investigation with the highest standards of professionalism, coordination and diligence, cautioning against speculation over the cause of the accident.
He assured the affected families and the public that all relevant evidence would be secured, documented, preserved and examined as part of a thorough and professional investigation.
The CAS commended personnel of the NAF, Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF), as well as the 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 to the ongoing operation.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his guidance and leadership during the challenging period.
Speaking during the visit, Aneke said he came for the welfare of his people and to look at what was happening in recovery and accountability.
According to him: “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 have made for those on board this aeroplane.
“I want to assure the families of our loved ones that the Nigerian Armed Forces will remain on guard in ensuring that you are safe.
“I had informed my Superintendent of Safety and Evaluation to come up with a high-level delegation, comprising 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 is not the time to start speculating, and I plead with you, the general public, to be patient. 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 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 greater the likelihood of incidents like this.”
He added: “It’s a very big loss, and no amount of words we put together can bring any consolation to those who have lost their loved ones. I understand how it feels.
“The Nigerian Air Force is doing everything possible to ensure that the families receive the necessary support they need.”
Aneke commended the people of Ondo State, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the support given to the rescue team, adding: “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.
“The locals here, the residents here, were the first responders. I’ve been briefed by the commander of the Naval Base here. Words cannot describe how we Nigerians come together when things go sour.
“It would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage, as all relevant evidence and factors must be meticulously assessed before any determination can be made.”
Briefing the CAS earlier, Head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, said recovery efforts were progressing, in coordination with relevant aviation, security and emergency-response agencies, while the accident site remained secured, and recovered items and other relevant evidence being properly documented and preserved to support the investigation.
Ebiowe said NAF remained focused on completing the recovery operation, supporting a comprehensive investigation and providing appropriate assistance to the affected families, commending stakeholders and the public for their continued support and cooperation, as search, recovery and investigation efforts continue at the site.
