Ondo gov orders support for search, rescue after military helicopter crash

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed relevant state agencies to provide immediate logistical and human support for the ongoing search and rescue operation following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said he received the news of the crash with sadness and directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and security agencies to support the rescue efforts.

According to preliminary reports, the aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Aiyedatiwa expressed sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the passengers and personnel aboard the aircraft, assuring them of the state government’s support.

The governor also said he had been in contact with the Nigerian Air Force leadership, Ilaje Local Government Chairman Maurice Oripelaye and security agencies at the scene to coordinate the state’s response.

Meanwhile, Aiyedatiwa ordered that the crash site be cordoned off and secured to allow emergency responders to conduct their operations without hindrance, while urging residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

He said the state government would continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance as more information emerges, while praying for the safety of those involved and the success of the rescue operation.