By Lengnan Tobias

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will hold a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony on Nov. 26 for victims of the NAF 931 aircraft crash.

The ceremony will take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the ceremony would provide an opportunity for bereaved families, colleagues, friends and the NAF community to honour the deceased.

Ejodame said the wreath-laying would also demonstrate the Service’s enduring respect for those who lost their lives.

He said the NAF had recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), aircraft fragments and other relevant evidence from the crash site at Igbokoda, Ondo State.

According to him, data retrieved from the recorder is being analysed and expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing investigation into the Oct. 5 accident.

He said the investigation was progressing in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“The NAF remains committed to ensuring that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, accountability and responsibility.

“This is while supporting the independent technical processes required to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident,” he said.

Ejodame said recovery operations had yielded several human remains and aircraft fragments, while identification of the recovered remains was ongoing.

He attributed the challenges facing the operation to the swampy terrain and the depth to which some wreckage had penetrated the ground.

He said the NAF was engaging relevant agencies to address environmental concerns arising from the recovery exercise.

According to him, appropriate remediation measures would be implemented upon completion of the operation.

Ejodame said the NAF recognised the grief of bereaved families and remained committed to supporting them throughout the difficult period.

He appreciated the cooperation of relevant agencies, host communities and other stakeholders supporting the recovery and investigation efforts.

He assured the public of the Service’s commitment to a thorough investigation, responsible environmental management and dignified remembrance of the victims. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu / Kamal Tayo Oropo