The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, has described the rescue operation at the site of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash as challenging.
According to Ohagwu, the aircraft remains deeply submerged in the swampy waters of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Council Area, more than 24 hours after the incident, with the remains of the victims yet to be evacuated as of Tuesday morning.
The commissioner stated that the difficult terrain, characterised by creeks, mangroves, and murky waters, has impeded the search and recovery mission.
Ohagwu commended the efforts of the Officer Commanding the Forward Operating Base, FOB, the Marine Command, and the Divisional Police Officer of Igbokoda, over their continued presence at the scene since the crash occurred on Monday morning.
He noted that the recovery of the wreckage is still in progress, with additional technical support and heavy machinery to extract the submerged aircraft from the water being expected.
He confirmed that requests have been made to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to deploy larger equipment capable of pulling the wreckage from the swamp.
The crash site, located about 500 metres east of the Naval Base, has been cordoned off by military personnel, with access strictly restricted.
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