The Nigerian Navy and Marine Police are searching for the bodies of victims and wreckage of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, carrying 25 people – 20 passengers and five crew members – crashes at about 09:00 local time on Monday in the Ilaje Local Government Area.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police Felix Ohuagwu, who visits the scene with a team of officers, says there are no survivors.
“There were no survivors in the crash,” Mr Ohuagwu tells journalists at the scene.
He says Marine Police officers are working with the Navy and local residents to recover the victims’ remains and the aircraft wreckage.
Residents say they hear a loud noise before the aircraft sinks into the swamp.
The Navy restricts movement around the crash site as residents and sympathisers gather in the area.
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash, including the five crew members and 20 passengers.
Air Commodore Ejodame says Air Chief Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, expresses condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those killed.
The Air Chief describes the crash as a “deeply painful moment” for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
He also assures the bereaved families of the military’s full support.
Mr Aneke directs a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force urges the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
It says it will provide further verified updates and asks the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
