Nigerian Air Force deploys pumps to recover fatal aircraft wreckage

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed pumping machines to drain water around the submerged wreckage of a military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The crash, which occurred on October 5, killed all 25 people on board, including 19 military personnel and six civilians. The wreckage remains deeply embedded in a riverbed, and difficult underwater terrain has complicated recovery efforts.

Families of the victims have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of communication from authorities regarding the cause of the crash and the progress of identifying remains. President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the incident. The NAF stated the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it lost radar contact in a remote area of southwest Nigeria.

Local residents in Igbokoda have raised concerns regarding the impact of recovery operations on their water supply following reports of foul-smelling water. Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme visited the community to engage with leaders and address these concerns.