ABUJA, Nigeria — Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has paid a condolence visit to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, following the fatal crash involving Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 931 in Ondo State.
Disu visited the Air Force chief on Friday, October 9, to convey the sympathy of the Nigeria Police Force to the military leadership, personnel and families of those who died in the incident.
The crash occurred on October 5 near Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident happened.
According to information released by the Nigerian Air Force, 25 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivors were reported.
The tragedy has prompted expressions of sympathy from government officials and security agencies, while the Air Force continues its recovery operations and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police Express Solidarity With Air Force
During the visit, Disu conveyed the police force’s condolences to Aneke and the wider Nigerian Air Force community.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, said the police chief expressed solidarity with the Air Force and the families affected by the tragedy.
Disu also offered prayers for the bereaved families, colleagues and friends of the deceased, asking for strength and comfort as they cope with their loss.
The visit underscored the relationship between Nigeria’s security agencies, particularly during periods of national tragedy involving personnel who serve the country.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force have distinct responsibilities within the country’s security architecture, but both agencies work alongside other institutions on matters involving national security and emergency response.
The condolence visit followed earlier gestures of solidarity by the police leadership. Disu had directed police commands and formations nationwide to fly their flags at half-mast during a three-day mourning period in honour of those killed in the crash.
Air Force Continues Investigation
The Nigerian Air Force has said it is committed to establishing the circumstances that led to the accident.
Following the crash, Chief of the Air Staff Aneke ordered a comprehensive investigation and assured the affected families that the military would provide appropriate support.
The Air Force has also urged the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the incident while investigators examine the available evidence.
On Thursday, October 8, Aneke visited the crash site at Igbokoda to assess recovery operations and meet personnel involved in the response.
The Air Force said relevant evidence from the site would be secured, documented and preserved as part of the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the crash have not been conclusively established in the information released so far. Authorities have not announced a final finding on what caused the aircraft to go down.
Twenty-Five People Killed In Crash
The aircraft was carrying military personnel and other passengers on a routine flight between Benin City and Lagos when it crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently released the names of the 25 people who died, including five crew members and 20 passengers.
President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning after the incident and directed that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The loss has affected the military community and the families of the deceased, with condolences continuing to come from public officials and institutions.
Calls For Support For Bereaved Families
Disu’s visit adds to the expressions of sympathy following one of the country’s recent military aviation tragedies.
Beyond official condolences, the immediate priorities include supporting the families of the deceased, completing recovery activities and ensuring that investigators can determine what happened.
The findings of the investigation are expected to help clarify the circumstances of the accident and inform any measures considered necessary to prevent similar incidents.
For now, the Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its support for the Nigerian Air Force and the families mourning the loss of their loved ones.
