Igbokoda residents recount failed attempts to rescue victims of Ondo crash

By Boye Oyeyemi

Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have recounted their frantic but unsuccessful attempts to rescue occupants of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in the community.

The residents said they rushed towards the scene after hearing a loud explosion but could not reach the victims because the aircraft had plunged deep into a swampy area.

One of the residents, Jomiloju, said the incident occurred while it was drizzling, adding that the sound of the crash attracted residents from different parts of the community.

He said residents boarded canoes and headed towards the crash site, where they saw the wreckage partly submerged in the swamp.

According to him, the residents tried to get closer to the aircraft to rescue the occupants but were unable to navigate the difficult terrain, forcing them to return to the riverbank.

Another resident, Lucky, said both men and women in the community made attempts to reach the crash site but were frustrated by the depth and difficult terrain of the swamp.

He said the aircraft was largely buried in the marshy area, making it impossible for residents to reach those inside despite their efforts.

Similarly, Bolajoko Ayeni said residents rushed to the scene immediately after the crash but could only record images of the wreckage, as the difficult terrain prevented them from carrying out any rescue operation.