Amphibious excavators have begun efforts to recover victims of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in the riverine area of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State
The recovery operation commenced today amid difficult terrain and challenging water conditions at the crash site.
The joint operation was in collaboration with the men of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Marine Police, Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), NSCDC, Amotekun, FRSC and other emergency responders.
The operation came more than 24 hours after the crash.
Addressing journalists in Igbokoda, the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Felix Ohagwu, disclosed that there are no confirmed survivor yet.
Ohagwu said security agencies and emergency responders have intensified efforts to also recover the victims and wreckage.
He added that the rescuers had faced significant difficulties accessing the crash site because of the creeks and mangrove terrain.
“What happened yesterday was quite unfortunate. It’s a very difficult terrain, the creeks, mangroves. Assessing the site of the crash was not easy,” he said.
The police commissioner said he had to use a canoe to assess the site and commended officers and other security personnel who had been involved in the operation since the crash.
He said the recovery of the wreckage was still ongoing and that authorities were awaiting additional technical support and heavier equipment capable of pulling the aircraft from the water.
He added that the police were expecting support from the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies.
The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday confirmed that all 25 people on board d!ed in the accident and released their names.
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