. Aviation Minister confirms incident, Gov Aiyedatiwa orders search, rescue operations
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the crash of
a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, on Monday, expressing fear over the safety of the 25 passengers and seven crew members aboard the ill-fated helicopter.
Keyamo stated this just as Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, directed the state’s emergency and security agencies to provide full logistical and human support for ongoing search and rescue operations.
Earlier on Monday, a Nigerian AirForce aircraft, ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, crashed in Igbokoda while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.
According to the Minister, preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft when the crash occurred.
However, Aiyedatiwa also directed that the crash site be cordoned off and secured to allow emergency responders to operate without hindrance.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said Aiyedatiwa received the news of the crash with deep sadness.
The governor expressed sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the personnel and passengers on board the aircraft.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expresses his heartfelt sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time,” the statement added.
Aiyedatiwa said he had already begun engaging relevant authorities to support the response to the incident and ensure that the state government was involved in the ongoing efforts.
“The Governor has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Hon. Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies on ground.”
As part of the state’s response, the governor directed relevant agencies to immediately mobilise resources and personnel to the crash site.
“To aid ongoing efforts, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilize and offer full logistical and human support to the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency response agencies in the search and rescue operations currently ongoing at the crash site.”
He also ordered that the area be secured to prevent interference with the rescue operation and ensure that emergency personnel can carry out their duties effectively.
“The Governor has also directed that the area be cordoned off and secured to allow for smooth and unhindered rescue operations,” the statement said.
The governor appealed to residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with officials working at the scene.
He also urged the public to rely on information from the relevant authorities rather than circulate unverified reports about the incident.
“While urging residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders, and refrain from spreading unverified information.”
Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Nigerian Air Force.
“The Ondo State Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Nigerian Air Force.”
He also expressed hope for a successful rescue operation.
“We pray for the safety of our gallant officers and for the success of the rescue efforts.”
