The Nigerian Navy and Marine Police have launched 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, carrying 25 people comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, crashed into a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda at about 9am on Monday.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohuagwu, who led officers of the Ondo State Police Command to assess the scene, expressed dismay over the incident and confirmed that there were no survivors.
Ohuagwu said Marine Police officers were working alongside the Nigerian Navy and local residents to recover the victims’
remains and the aircraft wreckage.
Some residents who spoke about the incident said they heard a loud noise before discovering that the aircraft had crashed and sunk into the swamp.
Movement around the crash site has since been restricted by the Nigerian Navy as residents and sympathisers continued to gather at the scene.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the crash involving the aircraft designated 931.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, assuring that timely and verified updates would be provided as the investigation continues.