The NAF victims recovery operation has suffered a major setback as rescuers battle deep water, thick mangroves and difficult terrain at the site of the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
More than 24 hours after the tragedy, authorities were still working to recover the remains and remove the wreckage from the swamp.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, marked NAF 931, crashed during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
The Air Force later confirmed that 25 people were aboard the aircraft. The passengers and crew included military personnel and family members. No survivor was found.
Swamp makes recovery extremely difficult
The crash site is located in a difficult area surrounded by mangroves and murky water.
The aircraft also went deep into the swamp after the crash. This has made it difficult for emergency teams to reach the wreckage.
Police Commissioner Felix Ohuagwu described the terrain as challenging. He said he had to use a canoe to reach the area.
According to him, authorities are waiting for heavier equipment to pull the aircraft from the water.
The operation also requires specialised machinery because ordinary boats cannot remove the wreckage from the swamp.
Officials said the National Emergency Management Agency and other emergency bodies were being contacted to provide additional equipment.
Local residents tried to reach the crash site
Residents in the area said they rushed towards the location after hearing the aircraft crash.
Some used canoes to cross the water and get closer to the scene.
However, the difficult terrain prevented them from reaching the aircraft properly.
Local divers also joined the early response but could not rescue anyone from the submerged wreckage.
Some residents said they saw parts of the aircraft and human remains in the area.
Security personnel later restricted access to the site as official recovery operations continued.
Authorities have also warned members of the public against spreading unverified information about the tragedy.
NEMA sends technical team
The National Emergency Management Agency has strengthened the operation by deploying a specialised search-and-rescue team.
NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar directed the agency’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a technical team to the site.
The team is expected to support the ongoing recovery and improve coordination among the different agencies involved.
Medical personnel and ambulances from hospitals in nearby local government areas were also deployed.
Ondo State Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said health workers were prepared to support the operation.
He also urged Nigerians to wait for official information instead of relying on social media reports.
NAF releases names of 25 victims
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash.
They comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.
The crew included Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC.
The passengers included military officers, non-commissioned officers and civilians.
The Air Force said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had ordered a full investigation into the accident.
The Service also urged the public to respect the privacy of the affected families.
Read Also: NAF Releases Full List of 25 Killed in Ondo Air Crash
Newlywed officer among those killed
The tragedy has also brought painful personal stories to light.
One of the pilots, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, reportedly got married in Abuja only two weeks before the crash.
His sudden death has left his young wife, relatives and colleagues mourning.
Another victim, Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye, was reportedly a postgraduate student at the University of Benin.
His classmates said he attended a make-up test at the university shortly before the fatal flight.
They described him as a quiet and dedicated student who made efforts to attend lectures despite his demanding military duties.
Defence Headquarters begins probe
The Defence Headquarters has commenced an investigation into the accident.
The military said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it went down.
The investigation is expected to establish what caused the aircraft to crash.
Search and recovery efforts are continuing with the involvement of the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, police, NEMA and other emergency agencies.
The NAF victims recovery operation remains difficult because of the swampy terrain and the position of the wreckage.
Authorities are now relying on specialised equipment to reach the aircraft and complete the recovery operation.