A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft, registration number NAF 931, crashed on Monday in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it went down in a waterlogged area shortly after 10am. Residents reported hearing a loud sound and seeing the aircraft crash into the swamp.
Residents of Igbokoda recounted that they saw aircraft parts, clothes, and suspected human remains scattered around the crash site. Oluboyo Olusola, a resident who visited the crash site, described seeing many things, including parts of the aircraft, bodies, and clothes. He noted that some bodies were inside the water. The difficult terrain and depth of the swamp made it impossible for residents to reach the aircraft.
Akinte Toluwalase, another resident, said that residents immediately rushed towards the scene but were unable to rescue anyone because the aircraft had already sunk into the swamp. He explained that naval officers joined residents about 30 minutes after the crash, but the difficult terrain hampered the operation. The residents and naval officers were unable to rescue anyone due to the challenging conditions.
Ayedugbe Abel, a resident, said that it was raining in the community when residents heard the loud sound of the aircraft crashing. He described how residents, including men and women, made frantic efforts to reach the location by canoe, while some reportedly swam towards the area. Despite their efforts, they were unable to locate the exact location of the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force activated search-and-rescue operations at the crash site, with military personnel and other emergency response agencies deployed to the area. The Chief Press Secretary to the Ilaje Local Government chairman, Taiwo Sadare, said that the difficult terrain had made access to the crash site challenging. The local government chairman, naval personnel, and officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were involved in the response efforts.
The aircraft was carrying 32 people, including a newly-wed pilot, who are feared dead. The incident has been met with condolences from prominent Nigerians, including former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, who ordered an investigation into the crash. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined.
The Nigerian Air Force has promised to investigate the crash and provide support to the families of the victims. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria's aviation industry, particularly in the military sector. An investigation into the crash is expected to reveal the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Key points
- All 32 people on board, including a newly-wed pilot, are feared dead in the crash.
- The aircraft crashed in a swampy area of Ondo State, making it difficult for rescuers to access the site.
- An investigation into the crash has been ordered by former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu.
