NAF Helicopter Crashes In Ondo, 32 Feared Dead As Wreckage Burns Beyond Recognition

By Our Correspondent

Panic gripped Igbokoda community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday morning as a Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashed in a swampy terrain opposite the Naval Base.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who confirmed the incident, said the military helicopter was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it went down.

He disclosed that the wreckage of the aircraft has been located and search and rescue operations were immediately activated.

Confirming the incident in an official statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the tragedy occurred.

Ejodame said: “Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing. The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, who also confirmed the crash in a telephone interview, said military kits and gear have been recovered from the crash site, but the helicopter was burnt beyond recognition, making it difficult to ascertain the number of casualties.

Similarly, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed the crash, stating that details surrounding the incident were still emerging.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, urged residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.

As of the time of filing this report, the Air Force has not disclosed the cause of the crash or the condition of those on board, while emergency responders have cordoned off the crash site.