Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Nigerian Navy and Marine Police have commenced a joint search operation 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, on Monday morning.
The aircraft, carrying 25 people — 20 passengers and five crew members — went down in a swampy area close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda at approximately 9am. There were no survivors.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohuagwu, who led a team from the Command to assess the situation, expressed his dismay at the scale of the tragedy.
He confirmed that officers of the State Marine Police had been working alongside the Navy and local residents to recover the remains of the victims and the wreckage of the aircraft.
Local witnesses recounted hearing a loud noise at the time of the crash, but said the aircraft sank quickly into the swamp, leaving no opportunity for rescue.
Movement to the scene has since been restricted by Nigerian Navy officers, as residents and sympathisers continued to troop to the area in an attempt to see the situation for themselves.
The Nigerian Air Force had on Monday released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who lost their lives in the 931 aircraft accident.
Air Commodore Ejodame stated that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who perished in the accident. The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, offering heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period and directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The 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, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
