By Sandra Ugwu

AKURE - Recovery of victims of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been hampered by the swampy and difficult terrain of the crash site, more than 24 hours after the incident.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was reportedly deeply submerged in the swamp, with thick mangroves and murky waters making access to the wreckage extremely difficult. The difficult terrain has also delayed the recovery of the aircraft's black boxes, which could provide vital information on the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The crash claimed the lives of all 25 people aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, according to the manifest released by the Nigerian Air Force.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when the accident occurred. The NAF said no survivor had been found and that a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.

The crash site, located about 500 metres east of the Naval Base in Igbokoda, has been cordoned off by the Navy, with journalists denied access. Some television journalists were reportedly arrested by naval authorities for allegedly entering the restricted area without clearance.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, described the terrain as extremely challenging, saying he had to use a canoe to reach the area.

He said recovery operations were still ongoing while authorities awaited additional technical support and heavier equipment capable of pulling the wreckage from the water.

The police command is also awaiting assistance from the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to provide the equipment required for the recovery operation.

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said personnel and ambulances from hospitals in Ilaje and Okitipupa Local Government Areas had been deployed to support the operation on the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ajaka, who said he had remained at the scene with emergency responders and local divers, urged the public to disregard unverified reports about the incident.

He described the crash as a national tragedy and said additional equipment, including swamp buggies, would be deployed to intensify the recovery effort.

Residents of Igbokoda who attempted to reach the crash site also said the difficult terrain prevented them from rescuing any of the occupants.

Local divers and other residents reportedly used canoes to reach the area but found that a large portion of the aircraft had become submerged in the swamp, making rescue efforts impossible.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has activated a specialised search-and-rescue team to strengthen the ongoing operation.

NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, directed the agency's Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a technical team to Igbokoda.

The agency said the deployment was aimed at improving coordination and providing additional technical and operational support to responders already at the scene.

The Nigerian Air Force subsequently released the identities of the 25 people aboard the aircraft, including five crew members and 20 passengers made up of military personnel, non-commissioned officers and civilians.

The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.

The crash has also triggered widespread mourning within the military community and beyond.

One of the pilots was reportedly a master's student in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Benin and had attended a make-up test at the institution days before the crash, according to a classmate.

Another crew member, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, was said to have married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja only two weeks before the tragedy.

Defence Headquarters has commenced an investigation into the accident, while search-and-recovery operations continue in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, sister security services and emergency agencies.

The Defence Headquarters said the investigation would establish the cause of the accident and urged Nigerians to avoid speculation while respecting the privacy of the affected families.

In another development, the Senate postponed its planned National Security Summit, earlier scheduled for October 12 and 13, 2026, following the crash.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said a new date would be announced later, describing the postponement as necessary in view of the national tragedy.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also assured the bereaved families that the Federal Government's support would extend beyond words of condolence.

Shettima said the nation owed an enduring debt of gratitude to the personnel who lost their lives in service and pledged that Nigeria would stand by their families during and beyond the period of mourning.