Ondo crash: NAF chief visits ill-fated aircraft’s home unit

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Friday visited the 107 Air Maritime Group (AMG), Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Benin City, the home unit of the ATR 42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

He assured personnel and families of the NAF’s continued support.

Addressing personnel, Aneke expressed condolences over the loss of their colleagues, and described the deceased as dedicated patriots, who served the nation with honour and commitment.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of our fallen colleagues. They made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation, and we will not forget them or their contributions to the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement that Aneke also acknowledged scholarship awards for the children of the deceased, stressing that their welfare remained a priority.

He assured the families that the Service would continue to provide necessary support to them and their children.

On rebuilding the 107 AMG, the CAS promised measures to improve personnel welfare, sustain training and ensure the availability of operational platforms.

“We will support this unit to quickly regain its strength. That support will include welfare, training and the availability of the platforms required for you to continue performing your duties effectively. We expect you to remain focused, professional and resilient,” he said.

The unit’s commander, Air Commodore Onu, thanked Aneke for the visit and his reassurance to personnel and families of the deceased.

“Sir, your presence here has strengthened the morale of our personnel. We appreciate your leadership, concern and commitment to the welfare of our people,” he said.

He assured the CAS that personnel would remain dedicated to their duties despite the challenges.

Aneke enjoined them to remain steadfast as search, recovery and investigative efforts continued. He also thanked the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies for their support in the search and recovery operations. He described the collaboration as vital to effective inter-service cooperation.

He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting affected personnel and their families, while ensuring a thorough and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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