AKURE — Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has directed state emergency and security 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.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda in the early hours of Monday, October 5, 2026.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor said he received the news of the crash with deep sadness and expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force and families of those on board.
The statement said the preliminary details were confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
It also cited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as confirming that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.
Aiyedatiwa said he had been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies involved in the response.
Following the incident, the governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to mobilise immediately and provide full support to the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency response agencies at the crash site.
He also ordered authorities to secure and cordon off the area to facilitate rescue operations and prevent interference with emergency responders.
The governor urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency personnel and avoid circulating unverified information about the incident.
The Ondo State Government said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates based on information from the Nigerian Air Force.
Aiyedatiwa also expressed hope for the safety of the personnel involved in the operation and the success of the ongoing rescue efforts.