…Gov Aiyedatiwa mourns
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with search and rescue operations underway at the crash site.
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 close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda on Monday morning.
The Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft, which disappeared from radar at about 9:13 a.m. after air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
The minister said efforts to re-establish radio contact with the aircraft proved unsuccessful before subsequent information confirmed that it had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
He disclosed that the wreckage had been located and that search and rescue operations were ongoing, while urging the public to await further information from the authorities.
The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed the accident, saying it had immediately activated search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing,” Ejodame said.
He added that the Air Force remained committed to ensuring the success of the rescue operation and would provide further information as it became available.
The crash initially generated reports that a helicopter had gone down in the Igbokoda area, but subsequent statements from the NAF and aviation authorities identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 military aircraft.
As of the latest official information available, authorities had not disclosed the condition of the passengers and crew members, with rescue personnel still working at the crash site.
Reports from the scene indicated that the aircraft came down in a difficult swampy terrain near the naval facility.
The incident has triggered a coordinated response involving the Nigerian Air Force, security agencies, emergency responders and the Ondo State Government.
Reacting to the incident, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who expressed deep sadness over the crash, said he had been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Hon Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies at the scene.
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilise logistical and human resources to support the NAF and other emergency response agencies involved in the search and rescue operation.
He also ordered that the area be cordoned off and secured to ensure that rescue personnel could operate without hindrance.
Aiyedatiwa appealed to residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders and refrain from circulating unverified information.
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, saying the state government would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as credible information emerged.
The crash has attracted national attention, with authorities expected to provide further information on the rescue operation and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
