Families of the 25 people who died in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, have expressed frustration over the failure to recover any of the victims’ bodies, 21 days after the incident.
The families said they were yet to receive the remains of their loved ones for burial or obtain detailed information about the ongoing recovery operation.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, reportedly crashed into the Obe-Rebby swamp in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on October 6, 2026, shortly after taking off from Benin Airport. It was carrying 20 passengers and five crew members.
The aircraft was reportedly travelling to Lagos after developing an engine fault in Benin City, where it had remained overnight for repairs.
One of the victims’ relatives lamented that no body had been presented to the families since the crash, questioning how they could give their loved ones a proper burial without recovering their remains.
Another family source alleged that the military had not provided sufficient updates on the recovery operation or contacted relatives for identification and DNA procedures.
The difficult terrain surrounding the crash site is believed to have complicated recovery efforts. The swamp is reportedly a dense, waterlogged mangrove forest near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, making access challenging without specialised equipment.
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Local divers and fishermen initially volunteered to assist with the operation but were later instructed by security operatives to stay away from the site, according to accounts from the community.
A community source said the Nigerian Air Force had deployed its own recovery team but added that residents had received no significant updates since then.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, were reportedly unsuccessful as of the time the incident was reported.
Earlier accounts indicated that the aircraft had departed Abuja on October 5, 2026, before stopping in Benin City after an engine fault was detected. It reportedly remained grounded overnight while technicians worked on it.
The plane was subsequently cleared for take-off the following morning but crashed shortly after departure.
Questions have also been raised about the use of the NAF’s ATR-42 aircraft, originally acquired for maritime patrol, surveillance, anti-piracy operations and search-and-rescue missions, for civilian transportation.
The two aircraft, NAF 930 and NAF 931, have reportedly been used to transport politicians, senior government officials and other civilians over the years.
As the families continue to seek answers, they are calling for greater transparency regarding the recovery operation and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Asenexpress will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
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