The Ondo State government has taken steps to assist in the recovery of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state. The aircraft, which was carrying 32 persons, including 25 passengers and 7 crew members, crashed about 500 meters east of the Nigerian Naval base in Igbokoda. According to the state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, the aircraft was diverted away from the community by the pilots, preventing a potential disaster.
The search and rescue operation, which began on Monday, has involved the state government, security agencies, and local authorities. Ajaka stated that the state government deployed the Ministry of Health, officers of the local government agencies, and environmental safety officers to the scene. The operation aims to recover the wreckage and retrieve the bodies of those on board. The commissioner described the incident as a sad situation and commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, and the people of Ondo State.
The recovery operation has been challenging due to the location of the wreckage in a swamp. Conventional vehicles and boats have been unable to reach the site, prompting the deployment of swamp buggies. Ajaka explained that the swamp buggies are necessary to navigate the terrain and retrieve the wreckage. The buggies have been brought in to float and swim to the location, allowing the recovery team to access the aircraft.
The force of the crash caused the aircraft to sink deep into the swamp, making it difficult to recover. Ajaka stated that the wreckage has gone down, and the recovery team is working to excavate it. Divers have been deployed to the site and have started bringing out parts of the wreckage. However, the commissioner noted that the team has not yet seen a major body.
The recovery operation is being coordinated by the state Commissioner for Environment and senior military officers. The CO Forward Naval Operation Base and the CO Western Naval Command are also involved in the operation. Two-star generals were present at the scene, and the team is working together to ensure a successful recovery operation.
Ajaka expressed his condolences to the families of those on board and prayed that such incidents do not occur in the future. The commissioner assured that the recovery operation will continue until the wreckage is fully recovered and the bodies are retrieved. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, and the government is working to determine the cause of the crash.
The deployment of swamp buggies has been a crucial step in the recovery operation. The buggies have enabled the recovery team to access the wreckage and begin the process of retrieving the bodies. The operation is ongoing, and the government has assured that it will do everything possible to support the families of those affected.
Key points
- The Ondo State government has deployed swamp buggies to aid in the recovery of the crashed Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda.
- The aircraft was carrying 32 persons, including 25 passengers and 7 crew members, when it crashed about 500 meters east of the Nigerian Naval base in Igbokoda.
- The recovery operation is being coordinated by the state Commissioner for Environment and senior military officers, with divers working to retrieve the wreckage and bodies.
