The Nigerian Air Force has assured families affected by the ongoing recovery operations at the site of an aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, of its commitment to providing welfare support and processing all applicable benefits.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, gave the assurance as recovery operations continued amid challenging underwater conditions and the difficulty of accessing the wreckage.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the service would provide necessary assistance to the bereaved families during the difficult period.
The statement said the support would include applicable entitlements, benevolent funds, scholarships for eligible children and other approved welfare benefits.
It added that the Air Force recognised its responsibility to the affected families extended beyond the recovery exercise.
Meanwhile, the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme, visited Igbokoda on the directive of Aneke to engage community leaders and residents over concerns about the possible impact of the recovery operations on their water source.
During the engagement, Ekwueme acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and assured them that the Air Force would address the issues through appropriate channels.
However, the aircraft wreckage remains submerged and deeply embedded in the riverbed, making the recovery exercise particularly challenging.
The NAF explained that the operation required sustained effort, specialised technical support and careful coordination because of the difficult terrain and underwater conditions.
It reaffirmed the commitment of recovery personnel to conducting the operation safely while preserving the dignity of the victims.
The Air Force also expressed appreciation to the Igbokoda community, its personnel and partner agencies for their cooperation.
It added that verified updates on significant developments would continue to be provided as recovery operations progress.
