Navy, Police Search for Victims of Ondo Air Crash

The Nigerian Navy and Marine Police have begun searching for the bodies of victims and wreckage from the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed at about 9 am on Monday in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda while carrying 25 people, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.

The search operation was ongoing when Channels correspondent visited the crash site, where the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohuagwu, led officers of the Ondo State Command to assess the situation.

Ohuagwu expressed sadness over the crash and confirmed that there were no survivors.

He said the State Marine Police were working alongside the Navy and residents to locate and recover the victims’ remains and retrieve the aircraft wreckage from the swamp.

Residents at the scene said they were alerted by a loud noise when the aircraft went down, but reported that it subsequently sank into the swamp.

The Navy has restricted access to the crash site as residents and sympathisers continued to gather in the area.

The Nigerian Air Force had earlier released the names of the 20 passengers and five crew members who died in the crash.

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 crash as a painful loss for the Nigerian Air Force and the country and assured the affected families of the service’s support.

He also ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Air Force said it would continue to release verified information as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unconfirmed reports.

The service also appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the families affected by the crash.