Ondo crash: Aiyedatiwa mobilises rescue support

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AKURE — Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed sympathy to the Chief of the Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force and families of personnel and passengers aboard the aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilise logistical and human support for the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that an ATR-42 aircraft on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos crashed in the Igbokoda area on Monday, October 5. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.”

According to the statement, 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 the ground.

The statement read:

“The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has received with deep sadness the news of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of today, Monday, October 5, 2026.

“According to preliminary reports confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, 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, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.

“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 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.

“To aid ongoing efforts, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilise 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.

“The Governor has also directed that the area be cordoned off and secured to allow for smooth and unhindered rescue operations, while urging residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders, and refrain from spreading unverified information.

“The Ondo State Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Nigerian Air Force.

“We pray for the safety of our gallant officers and for the success of the rescue efforts.”

As of the latest official reports, authorities had not confirmed the condition of those aboard the aircraft.

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