Ondo NAF Crash: Swampy Terrain Stalls Recovery as 25 Victims Remain Unaccounted For

Recovery efforts at the site of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, have been slowed by difficult swampy terrain more than 24 hours after the accident.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, marked NAF 931, crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, during a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos. The aircraft is said to be deeply submerged in the swamp, making it difficult for rescue teams and local residents to reach the wreckage.
Thick mangroves and murky waters have further complicated access to the crash site, while the aircraft’s black boxes have yet to be recovered. Authorities believe the devices could provide crucial information about what caused the accident.
Ondo State Police Commissioner Felix Ohagwu described the terrain as extremely challenging, explaining that he had to use a canoe to reach the area. He said recovery operations were still underway and that additional technical support and heavier equipment were being awaited to pull the wreckage from the water.
Local residents also said they attempted to reach the crash site using canoes but were unable to rescue anyone. One resident, Jomiloju, said the larger part of the aircraft was already deep inside the swamp when they arrived. Another resident, Lucky, said community members made several attempts to help but could not reach the occupants.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has now deployed a specialised search-and-rescue team to strengthen the operation. NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar directed the agency’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a technical team to Igbokoda.
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people on board the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The service said no survivors had been found and confirmed that a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The tragedy has also claimed the attention of the wider country, with the Defence Headquarters beginning its investigation and the Senate postponing its National Security Summit until further notice. Vice President Kashim Shettima, meanwhile, assured the bereaved families that the Federal Government’s support would extend beyond the immediate period of mourning.