The Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police have commenced a search for the bodies of victims and the wreckage of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had 25 people on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, crashed into a swampy area near the Nigerian Navy Base in Igbokoda at about 9am on Monday.
The search operation followed the crash as security personnel and local residents continued efforts to locate and recover the victims and parts of the aircraft.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohuagwu, who led a team from the command to assess the situation, expressed dismay over the incident.
Speaking with journalists at the scene, Ohuagwu confirmed that there were no survivors, adding that personnel of the State Marine Police were working with the Nigerian Navy and local residents in the recovery operation.
Some residents said they were alerted by a loud noise shortly before the aircraft crashed, after which it sank into the swamp.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy has restricted access to the crash site as residents and sympathisers continued to gather around the area.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the accident involving aircraft NAF 931.
Air Commodore Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed profound condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information and to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
