The evacuation of victims of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft that crashed at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been delayed by the swampy and difficult terrain where the aircraft came down.
More than 24 hours after the crash, the wreckage remained deeply submerged in the swamp, making access to the site and recovery of the victims extremely difficult.
The aircraft, marked NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The difficult terrain, characterised by thick mangroves, creeks and murky waters, also prevented local residents from reaching the exact crash site to assist in the rescue operation.
Police Commissioner in Ondo State, Felix Ohgawu, described the terrain as highly challenging, saying he had to use a canoe to access the area.
He said recovery of the wreckage was still ongoing and that additional technical support and heavy equipment were being awaited to pull the aircraft from the swamp.
According to him, the police were also awaiting assistance from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide the equipment required for the recovery operation.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said he had been at the site with the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, supervising the search-and-rescue operation.
Ajaka said personnel and ambulances from hospitals across Ilaje and Okitipupa Local Government Areas had been deployed on the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports about the crash.
“This is a national disaster that we shouldn’t play politics with. Please, let’s tarry and wait for verified information,” he said.
He added that swamp buggies and other specialised rescue equipment would be deployed to support the operation.
Locals Unable To Reach Wreckage
Residents of Igbokoda who rushed to the scene shortly after hearing the crash said the difficult terrain prevented them from reaching the aircraft.
One of the local divers, identified as Jomiloju, said residents sailed towards the crash site in canoes but could only see parts of the wreckage because much of the aircraft was submerged in the swamp.
He said local residents, naval officers and police personnel all attempted to reach the site but were unable to rescue any of the occupants.
Another resident, Lucky, said residents made several attempts to reach the victims but were hampered by the depth of the swamp.
Bolajoko Ayeni, another resident, said people who reached the area saw human remains but were unable to carry out any rescue because the aircraft had already sunk into the swamp.
NEMA Deploys Search-and-Rescue Team
NEMA has activated a specialised search-and-rescue team to strengthen ongoing recovery operations at the crash site.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, directed the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a technical team to Igbokoda.
The agency said the deployment was aimed at providing additional technical and operational support to emergency responders already working at the scene.
Umar expressed sadness over the incident and commended the emergency responders involved in the operation.
NAF Releases Names Of 25 Victims
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people aboard the ill-fated aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
The passengers were Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye; Flying Officer IM Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F; Master Warrant Officer Matini BA; Warrant Officer Nuhu FS; Flight Sergeant James RB; Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI; Sergeant Ani AE; Sergeant Izibenikien SI; Sergeant Alafuka C; Sergeant Mbadugha AN; Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC; Lance Corporal Eledan GE; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Michael; Sunday Michael; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said no survivors had been found.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force also urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Pilot Was UNIBEN Master’s Student
The crash has also left students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) mourning after it emerged that the pilot was a Master’s student in the Department of Mass Communication.
His class representative, Desmond Odiah, described him as a quiet and disciplined student who remained committed to his studies despite his demanding military responsibilities.
Odiah said the pilot had attended a make-up test at the university on Friday, which was the last time they spoke.
Co-Pilot Married Two Weeks Ago
One of the co-pilots, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, had reportedly married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja only two weeks before the crash.
Man-Ugwueje, who was from Umuahia, Abia State, is survived by his young wife, parents and other family members.
Crash Victim Visited Mother Before Fatal Trip
Another victim, Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye, reportedly visited his mother, Professor Emily Akintoye, in Benin City on Tuesday morning to celebrate her birthday before departing for Lagos.
A source close to the family said Akinloye informed his mother that he and his colleagues were travelling to Lagos.
Hours later, the family received news of the crash.
The incident cast a sombre mood over the Nigerian Air Force community, with flags flown at half-mast at the Air Force military base and Air Force Military Hospital in Benin.
Defence Headquarters Begins Investigation
The Defence Headquarters has also commenced an investigation into the crash.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigation was being conducted to determine the cause of the accident, while search-and-rescue efforts continued in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, sister services and emergency agencies.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.
The Defence Headquarters appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the affected families as recovery and investigation efforts continue.