Jakarta:The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has visited the 107 Air Maritime Group (AMG) at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Benin, which is the home unit of the NAF ATR 42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, resulting in the deaths of 32 crew members and passengers.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, disclosed that Air Marshal Aneke met with personnel at the base and offered reassurances to the families affected by the tragic accident, pledging the NAF’s continued support during this difficult time.
During his address, the CAS extended his condolences to the personnel, honoring the deceased as dedicated patriots who served their nation with honor. He emphasized that the NAF would continue to support the families, including offering scholarships to the children of the fallen personnel, and stressed that their welfare remains a priority.
Air Marshal Aneke also spoke about the recovery and strengthening of the 107 AMG, promising measures to improve welfare, sustain training, and ensure the availability of operational platforms. He commended the personnel for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to remain focused as search, recovery, and investigative efforts proceed.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies for their crucial assistance in the search and recovery operations, highlighting the importance of cooperation between services in addressing national challenges. He assured that the NAF is committed to a thorough investigation of the accident’s circumstances.
Air Commodore Eze Onu, the Commander of the 107 AMG, thanked the CAS for his visit and for the support provided, stating that it has boosted the morale of the personnel. He assured that the unit would continue to uphold the standards of the NAF despite the challenges faced.